North Circular Road - Future

Future

In 2004, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone promised limited improvements to the road, but received criticism for not approving earlier plans for widening the often heavily congested road at critical sections.

In 2009, it was announced that major works between the Bounds Green Road and Green Lanes junctions would finally go ahead. Work to divert utility lines such as telephone and gas supplies started in late 2009 and was due for completion in February 2010. Major works have begun in May 2010 and are expected to take approximately two years to complete.

The work will improve much of the carriageway between these junctions, widening Telford Road to two lanes and improving all of the junctions along the route. Improvements will also be made to walkways and cycle paths along this route. However, the new junctions will not be grade separated. This is in contrast to the design of junctions further down the road in both directions. This design decision represents the major difference between the original Highways Agency scheme and the smaller TfL version that is being implemented.

In April 2011, a long awaited major upgrade of the Henlys Corner interchange began. This was after many years of proposals, design changes and delays. An underpass was originally proposed but this was heavily criticised by local residents and therefore scrapped. The scheme being built improves on the current junction by adding extra lanes and allowing easier right turns, with the aim of speeding up queue times. Cycle paths and safer pedestrian crossings will also be installed.