Work to improve Highbury Corner for cyclists starts next week

Segregated cycle lanes are to be added to Highbury Corner as part of a project to replace the one-way system with two-way traffic. Transport for London (TfL) say that work is likely to take around 18 months.

Highbury Corner is a junction with one of the poorest safety records in London. Locals will say it’s also one with a very long history of roadworks.

In 7.6 billion years the suns life will end, consuming the earth to a fiery end. All life on the planet will cease, with the exception of the roadworks on Highbury Corner which are planned to continue until the end of time

— Mike Cooper (@mj_cooper2004) May 8, 2018

The latest work will see the 1960s roundabout removed and replaced with two-way roads with segregated cycle lanes on all three remaining sides.

Other improvements include:

• Closing the western arm of the roundabout to create a public space, including the Highbury & Islington station forecourt and part of the arboretum (the green space at the centre of the roundabout)
• Encouraging more walking with wider and ‘straight across’ (replacing existing two-stage) pedestrian crossings – making it easier to cross and new Legible London signage to improve wayfinding
• Providing local residents and visitors with more green space by partially opening the arboretum to public access, while protecting the most sensitive parts
• Closing the southern section of Corsica Street to motor traffic and creating a continuous footway across the junction entrance to give pedestrians priority over traffic
• Installing a shared pedestrian/cycle toucan crossing across St Paul's Road to allow two-way cycling to and from Corsica Street

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “I’m delighted that work that is getting underway on these plans that will improve safety and improve the environment for everyone who uses Highbury Corner.

“With more segregated cycle lanes across the junction, improved pedestrian crossings, and a new public space, the transformed junction will encourage even more people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine. The changes are a great example of a council working closely with TfL to improve quality of life for everyone.”