The Wandsworth Council is implementing urgent changes at the Putney Bridge junction. These involve relocating the main pedestrian crossing point to the centre of the junction and altering traffic islands and signals. The goal is to significantly increase green light time for traffic turning left onto Putney Bridge, while ensuring pedestrian safety.
Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, stated that the changes are a direct response to resident concerns about congestion. He highlighted that previous adjustments on Putney Bridge Road and Putney High Street have already shown positive effects. These upcoming works are intended to further boost traffic capacity and reliability through the junction.
Drivers turning left from Lower Richmond Road onto Putney Bridge will experience an increase in green light duration, from the current 25 seconds to approximately 42 seconds, once the pedestrian crossing is relocated. This change is expected to improve northbound traffic flow through Putney High Street and the wider junction. A small traffic island on Lower Richmond Road will also be removed as part of the redesign.
The works are scheduled to commence on 1 December and will be carried out in stages until March. Initial phases will focus on kerb works and relocating CCTV. The most disruptive activities are planned for overnight to minimise impact on daily traffic.
These improvements are part of the council's broader strategy to alleviate congestion in the area. Recent measures include capacity enhancements on Putney Bridge Road and Putney High Street, adjustments to cycle lane wands, reinstatement of original bus lane times, CCTV enforcement on Putney Embankment, and road widening near the TK Maxx bus stop.
The scheme is estimated to cost around £450,000, covering temporary traffic management and design fees. This initiative follows a series of measures already introduced by the council to address congestion in Putney.
