TfL Press Release - First phase of work to transform streets in Nine Elms now complete, making them safer and more accessible for everyone

TfL, Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council have completed the first phase of improvement work in the transformation of the streets around Nine Elms. This work is making travel in the area safer and more enjoyable for people walking, cycling and using public transport, including the new Northern line extension.

Phase 1 work included:

• New paving of the southern and northern pavements, and widening of the northern pavement between the Duchess Rail Bridge and Sleaford Street
• A new eastbound and westbound segregated cycle lane between the Duchess Rail Bridge and Sleaford Street
• Improved and more accessible bus stops, providing an interchange with the new Northern line station at Battersea Power Station
• A new cycle link and dedicated cycle crossing between Thessaly Road and Battersea Park Road
• A new controlled pedestrian crossing across Battersea Park Road providing direct access to the new Battersea Power Station Underground station

The project supports the wider regeneration in the area along with the extension of the Northern line and will see the 2.5km stretch of Nine Elms Lane and Battersea Park Road completely redesigned to make it more attractive, accessible and people friendly. It is part of a £1bn package of dedicated infrastructure investment to support the size and scale of the area’s growth.

The area around Nine Elms is undergoing significant regeneration with approximately 40 major development sites building 20,000 new homes and creating 25,000 new jobs between now and 2030. The Northern line extension between Kennington and Battersea Power Station will improve transport links in the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea areas, with journey times to the City and West End taking less than 15 minutes and will open on Monday 20 September.

TfL will continue to work with Battersea Power Station and other developers on the future phases of the work, which are planned to be delivered between 2023 and 2025, as funding and land becomes available from the developments along the corridor. These improvements will see the completion of the upgraded footways and crossing facilities for people walking, improved bus stops, streetscape enhancements and provision of new cycle facilities providing a continuous cycle route from Vauxhall Gyratory to the east of the scheme and connecting with the CS8 Cycle Route at Macduff Road.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, TfL upgraded the nearby cycle route between Wandsworth Town Centre and Chelsea Bridge (CS8), which is giving people across the capital more space to walk and cycle safely. Upgrades included protected space for people cycling, wider cycle lanes and lower speed limits to reduce road danger. The upgraded route is open and people without a bike can easily hire a Santander Cycles locally to try it out.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Enabling more Londoners to walk and cycle is more important than ever to ensure a cleaner, greener recovery from the pandemic, so I’m delighted that the first phase of improvements at Nine Elms is complete. The Northern line extension is supporting tens of thousands of new jobs and homes, and the changes to road layouts will ensure that the increased numbers of people living in and visiting the area can travel safely and sustainably.”

Julie Lewington, TfL's Head of Projects and Programmes, said: “We’re pleased to have completed the first phase of the work around Nine Elms, which will support the extension of the Northern line and the major regenerations of the area, bringing new homes, jobs and open spaces to the local community. This project plays a key part in our commitment to create healthy streets across the capital, making it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle across London.”

Councillor John Locker, Transport spokesperson for Wandsworth Council, said: “Completion of this first phase of improvements will be welcomed by all our local residents as well as those people who pass through the area and we appreciate all the hard work to get these works finished throughout what has been a difficult year.

“As a new town centre emerges around Battersea Power Station and the new Northern line stations open this month, these new connections will encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport to get here.”

Nick Rabin, Infrastructure Project Director at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “Ensuring that access to the new town centre we are creating at Battersea Power Station is safe, easy and enjoyable for our residents and visitors has been extremely important from the beginning of the redevelopment. These improvement works and the opening of our very own London Underground station on 20th September will mean Battersea Power Station is one of the most well-connected developments in the capital and we are looking forward to welcoming more people to this new riverside neighbourhood as we countdown to the Power Station opening its doors to the public next year.”

Aaron Snipe, Spokesperson, United States Embassy, said: “This is great news for the area and it is great news for the many thousands of people who will journey here from across the UK to visit our Embassy. We warmly welcome improvements to the cycle and pedestrian infrastructure and the opening of the new Northern line extension.”