London Cycle Superhighway already torn up by roadworks

With just days to go before the first Barclays Cycle Superhighways open, some of the route has already been torn up by roadworks.

The South London Press reports that part of route CS7, which runs between Merton and Southwark Bridge – and which is due to open for business next Monday (19 July) – has been dug up by Southwark council contractors just weeks after being laid in the first place.

The paper reports that the situation has frustrated cycle campaigners and the London Mayor’s transport adviser, who said councils should join a London-wide roadworks scheme.

Barry Mason of Southwark Cyclists, which represents 900 cyclists in the borough, told the SLP, “It’s so frustrating. Boris is quite rightly pressing for the cycle superhighways to be completed. But there’s no co-ordination between the utilities and the people who run the roads. It’s crazy that Transport for London can’t co-ordinate all this.”

The cycle tracks are the responsibility of Transport for London (TfL), which is part of City Hall, but Southwark Bridge Road is under the control of Southwark council – which is not part of the roadwork permit scheme.

The Mayor’s transport adviser Kulveer Ranger said, “Transport for London and the boroughs have been working closely to deliver the new cycle superhighways and ensure this type of issue does not arise.

“Unfortunately this demonstrates exactly why better co-ordination of roadworks carried out on borough roads is required and why the Mayor is requesting that all boroughs sign up for the permitting scheme.”

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark council, said, “The roadworks were always scheduled to be done at this stage, as agreed by TfL. We are seeking the co-operation of the contractors to reinstate the road markings before the formal opening of the new cycle superhighway.”