Drivers are being warned of traffic chaos today as a key route used by almost 100,000 vehicles a day will close for more than a month.
From today, Friday, March 20, work will be completed on the A40 between the Westway roundabout and the Marylebone flyover.
The work is expected to last until late April, potentially causing havoc for the 96,000 vehicles that use the route every day.
Transport for London has reminded drivers of the closure, which will require the closure of the A40 in both directions.
It confirmed that diversion routes and local roads will be available, although they are likely to be “extremely busy”.
In a bid to minimise disruption for locals and drivers, TfL said the works and road closures have been designed to cause as few issues as possible.
The work will see two joints on the Marylebone Flyover A40 Westway replaced to allow the flyover to safely expand and contract with temperature changes and vehicle movements.
TfL stated that this was a “complex and specialist” case that requires a full carriageway closure, meaning it cannot be reopened until all work is completed.
Drivers will face long delays near the A40 Westway over the coming weeks as crucial roadworks are completed | TRANSPORT FOR LONDONWhile alternative options were considered, TfL decided that a full carriageway closure was the best way to ensure essential work is completed.
Stuart Harvey, chief capital officer at TfL, said: “It’s vital that we ensure the A40 flyover is well maintained for the tens of thousands of people who use it each day.
“This essential work will allow the flyover to continue to be used safely. We appreciate that, though necessary, these works will cause disruption to journeys, and I’d like to thank people in the area for their patience.
“I’d encourage everyone to plan ahead and use alternative modes of transport where possible.”
The A40 Westway Roundabout will remain closed on weekends following the completion of works in April | GOOGLE MAPSFor the 96,000 drivers who use the route every day, TfL is advising people to use the A40 Westway to plan ahead and use alternative methods of travel.
It also confirmed that the latest traffic updates would be posted on the TfL website, allowing drivers to see conditions on alternative routes.
Drivers may opt to ditch their vehicles while the A40 Westway is closed and replace short journeys on foot, by bike or by Tube.
A “comprehensive” traffic signal strategy has been introduced to keep roads moving smoothly during the closure, which will be continually monitored.
