Major roadworks in Walthamstow town centre that were due to finish this summer will now continue for another year. Waltham Forest Council has admitted that […]By Waltham Forest Echo

An amended sign shows the new date for the completion of roadworks in Walthamstow town centre (credit Keith Foster)

Major roadworks in Walthamstow town centre that were due to finish this summer will now continue for another year.

Waltham Forest Council has admitted that there have been significant delays to roadworks at the Hoe Street and Selborne Road junction because the impacts of a new road layout are still being assessed.

Barriers, cones and a diversion have been in place on the junction since January 2017, when work initially began. It has included the construction of a completely new road bridge over the railway. However, a second phase of work that will integrate the new bridge with the junction has yet to begin, after unforeseen problems arose.

The end date for the work is now slated for spring 2019, more than two years since it started.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, the council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “The first stage of work in this area, the installation of a new traffic bridge to replace the outdated Victorian-era structure, is now complete. The second stage will be to open the bridge to traffic.

“During the first stage we identified possible knock-on effects from forthcoming developments to the wider road network which could not have been anticipated before the project initially commenced.

“Therefore, we decided to put the second phase on hold while we assess these possible impacts. This will reduce the potential for any costly abortive works in the future which would cause extra disruption to commuters, pedestrians and road users.

“The vital work we are carrying out in partnership with Transport for London will make Walthamstow town centre a more pleasant, accessible and safe area for all to enjoy.”

The aim of the works is said by the council to be improved journey times and reliability, better access for pedestrians and cyclists, and the creation of new public green spaces.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.