Changes in Ealing town centre aim to improve cycling and road safety

Work has started on Ealing’s mini-Holland project, part of a major three-year programme to improve cycling and road safety in Ealing.

As part of this, the council will make improvements in The Mall/Uxbridge Road, between Carmelita House and North Common Road, in Ealing town centre, starting this month and due to finish by spring 2017. The planned road works are to accommodate new segregated cycling facilities through this area.

The scheme will feature a number of changes to the main road routes in to and out of Ealing’s town centre.

These include:
• Resurfacing stretches of the main road
• Segregated cycling routes
• New paving for footpaths
• Improved road crossings for pedestrians and cyclists
• Realigning sections of road
• Better signage

There will be a system in place to manage the flow of traffic during the work with the bus lane suspended during the day, leaving both through lanes open. The Council say that all residents will be notified well in advance of any impact this may have on them.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “This is just the first phase of a three year redevelopment and modernisation project aimed at improving Ealing’s roads for everyone.

"We want to improve our streets for everyone so pedestrians and cyclists can get around in an attractive, safe environment whilst seeing improvements for all road users. These improvements will bring more people to that part of our town centre and increased spending. Cycling is a fast, cheap, healthy and environmentally-friendly way of travelling and we are absolutely resolute in our determination to ensure all road users, including cyclists, feel safe on our streets.”

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of the Council, said: “The transport network in Ealing town centre is one of the busiest in the borough and it is crucial that we make sure it is fit for purpose. Few routes in the centre of the borough are possible without passing through Ealing town centre, which can currently be a little intimidating for cyclists. Our plan to invest in the modernisation and redevelopment of the cycle route in the town, as part of Ealing’s mini-Holland scheme, highlights our commitment to a safer and greener borough.”

Ann Hunter, Chief Executive of Ealing’s ‘Make it Ealing’ business improvement district, said: "We welcome these improvement works. The resurfaced roads and additional bike parking facilities will hopefully encourage more people to commute or visit the town centre by bicycle. Key for business is the upgrading of the pavements and crossing junctions, which will make a vast difference to The Mall and help revitalise this area of Ealing town centre, where some great independents – such as Tribeca Studios and The Dapper Man have recently opened.”

October 13, 2016