Construction of CS11 cycle superhighway at Swiss Cottage to begin in July

An artists impression of CS11. Picture: TfL Archant

Transport for London has announced this morning that work will begin on the controversial CS11 cycle route at Swiss Cottage in mid July.

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CS11 protesterx and supporters at a mass demonstration at Swiss Cottage in October 2016Picture: Nigel Sutton CS11 protesterx and supporters at a mass demonstration at Swiss Cottage in October 2016Picture: Nigel Sutton

The move will be welcomed by cyclists who support the scheme and slammed by opponents of the plan to remove the gyratory system and create a 2.5 mile cycle route from Finchley Road to the West End.

TfL said that it had made a number of changes to the scheme to reduce traffic on surrounding routes.

It is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to see 80pc of journeys in London being made by foot, bike or public transport by 2041.

The scheme will see the Swiss Cottage gyratory removed and two-way traffic flow introduced on Finchley Road and Adelaide Road.

CS11 protesterx and supporters come face to face at a demonstration at Swiss Cottage in October 2016 Picture: Nigel Sutton CS11 protesterx and supporters come face to face at a demonstration at Swiss Cottage in October 2016 Picture: Nigel Sutton

Avenue Road between College Crescent and Adelaide Road will become bus and cycle only with a cycle track and pedestrian area.

TfL predicts the work will be finished in September 2019.

The TfL statement said: “As well as being a key part of CS11, changes to the one-way system at Swiss Cottage form part of TfL’s ongoing review and modernisation of the capital’s most dangerous and intimidating junctions. The changes will make Swiss Cottage a better place to live and work, making it easier and safer for people to move through the area. The route will improve safety for both cyclists and pedestrians in the area – encouraging non-polluting and more active travel for people living, working or passing through.”

It plans to do the work during the summer holiday period to cause less disruption and will adust traffic light timings and suspend parking to increas traffic flow.

As reported in the Ham&High, the controversial CS11 scheme, which has divided the community, was given the go ahead at the end of 2016.

The scheme has divided the community with CS11 opponents and supporters holding multiple protests and counter protests and launching petitions.

During consultation, both Camden and Westminster councils expressed concerns about CS11 and urged TfL to conduct further traffic modelling to take account of the likely impact of builidng High Speed Rail (HS2) at the same time.

Oppomemts say both schemes will see traffic diverted onto residential roads causing traffic chaos for the local community and increased pollution on small roads.

But Tfl said its consultation on CS11 received 60 per cent support from more than 6,000 respondents, but sine then it has carried out additional work and made changes to address concerns from the councils and local community.

It said as a result it has made changes including allowing traffic to make right turns from College Crescent into Finchley Road, and from Finchley Road southbound into Hilgrove Road.

It said: “This will reduce the amount of traffic into nearby minor roads, and could also improve access for local people who want to reach destinations to the west of Swiss Cottage.”

Buses and cyclists will also be allowed to turn left from Finchley Road into College Crescent.

In December, we reported that the scheme had been held up because plans to close Regents Park to motorists had failed to get agreement from the Crown Estate Paving Commission, The Royal Parks, Westminster and Camden.

But construction is to start on the Swiss Cottage section of the route regardless.

TfL said in its statement this morning that “Subject to agreement” it intends CS11 will run along Avenue Road, the Outer Circle of The Regent’s Park, Park Crescent and Portland Place.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “I’m delighted that work will be getting underway in a matter of weeks on the first section of CS11. High-quality segregated cycle routes play a crucial role in keeping cyclists safe, and also encourage more Londoners to cycle as part of their everyday routine. Our plans will improve the environment around Swiss Cottage and make this busy junction safer for everyone who lives and works in the area.

“We’ve been working very closely with the council to look at the consultation results to ensure the views of local residents are taken on board, and the amended plans will both mitigate any impact on traffic in surrounding roads, and provide substantial benefits for pedestrians too.”

We will bring you reaction to this announcement throughout the day at hamhigh.co.uk.