Walking routes and accessibility during the closure

Alternative pedestrian routes

Safe pedestrian routes will remain available throughout the closure period.

Diversion routes include existing crossings via the Henley Wood Road underpass and alternative routes through the local road network. Clear signage will be provided to direct pedestrians. 

Measures to improve underpass safety

Several measures have been identified to improve safety and accessibility within the Henley Wood Road underpass during the bridge closure.

These include:

• Repairing the lights to ensure they are in working order
• Installation of mirrors at both ends of the underpass to improve visibility
• Carrying out general repairs and surface improvements
• Notifying the council's Anti-Social Behaviour team and local neighbourhood policing team of the diversion arrangements

Access for people with mobility issues, pushchairs and bicycles

The Council recognises that diversion routes may be less convenient and increase journey lengths for some users, including those with mobility impairments, pushchairs and cycles.

However, the existing access is currently stepped, so accessibility for people with mobility issues, pushchairs or bicycles is already limited. The closure will therefore not significantly change the existing accessibility arrangements, other than requiring users to take an alternative route, resulting in increased journey lengths.

Reasons bike runnels and ramp improvements are not included

This project focuses on essential maintenance rather than a full bridge upgrade.

Significant constraints exist, including a high-pressure gas main (Southern Gas Networks) beneath the ramp structures. Alterations to ramp geometry would require substantial redesign, additional approvals, utility works, increased costs and a longer programme. 

Reasons higher parapets are not being installed

The project has been designed as a like-for-like replacement and maintenance repair scheme. 

Increasing parapet heights would require significant structural redesign, further approvals and additional construction works.