Road closures, over 100 cyclists - so why add to problems with tube closures?
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Wandsworth council has urged Transport for London (TfL) to minimise disruption to local people during August’s Olympic cycle race test event.
And they have urged TfL to make more detailed information available now about road closures and diversions.
Around 100 cyclists will take part in the race on Sunday August 14. The route stretches from the Mall, through south west London, over Putney Bridge and through Richmond Park to Box Hill and back again.
Roads along the route will be subject to closures and diversions from very early in the morning until late afternoon, and the knock-on effect across the whole region is likely to be significant. Putney High Street, the Upper Richmond Road and Priory Lane will be completely closed to traffic all day.
The event, called the London Surrey Cycle Classic, is following exactly the same route as the Olympic cycle road race next year and is being held to help iron out any problems before then.
The council has welcomed the races as an opportunity for residents to see an Olympic event for free, but is concerned about the potential traffic disruption.
It is urging Transport for London (TfL) to rethink plans to suspend three tube lines on that day for maintenance work. The Circle Line will be completely closed. The District Line will be suspended between Edgware Road and Earls Court and the Hammersmith and City line will be suspended between Baker Street and Hammersmith.
This month TfL has sent out letters to residents and businesses warning them that they face disruption, but the council is concerned that these lack details.
Cabinet member for environment and culture, Cllr Jonathan Cook, said,
“We welcome the Olympics, and understand why this test race needs to be held, but it’s only a few weeks away and shops and restaurants need to ensure they can receive deliveries. People need confirmation now of exactly what closures and diversions will be in place. TfL and games organisers LOCOG need to firm up these plans and get this information out there.
“They also need to think very carefully about the chaos likely to be caused by these tube closures Why suspend tube lines on the very same day that people will be pouring into south west London to watch the race? The public transport system must be fully operational.”
May 26, 2011