Fears road closure will cause 'gridlock and chaos' (From Streatham Guardian)

Fears Greyhound Lane closure will cause 'gridlock and chaos'

9:51am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Alice Foster, Reporter

A six-month road closure has raised fears of traffic chaos in Streatham.

A Network Rail spokesman said a section of Greyhound Lane would be closed from October 30 until the end of April next year so the platforms at Streatham Common station can be extended.

The closure will be between Eardley Road and Estreham Road, where Greyhound Lane crosses the railway lines.

A public meeting for affected residents will take place at Granton Primary School on October 4 at 7pm.

Councillor John Kazantzis said the meeting was arranged after the beginning of a partial road closure planned for late September.

Coun Kanzantzis said: “My main concern is for residents and users of the road bridge and the disruption and the inconvenience the closure will cause.

“The ultimate aim of extending the platform at Streatham Common station to allow for longer trains and increased capacity is a worthy one, but we have to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”

The National Rail spokesman said it was developing a traffic management plan to minimise disruption caused by the work, which involves replacing half the bridge.

He said: “The road closure is unavoidable, but Network Rail will be providing a shuttle bus to link the two sides of the station, which will operate every 15 minutes throughout the work.

“Everything will be done to complete the work as quickly as possible and we apologise for any disruption this work will cause.”

Helen Smith, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in Streatham South, said: “We understand the improvements made to the station are going to be of huge benefit to the community and particularly to commuters.

“We are keen to ensure that every option for reducing the chaos on the roads that will ensue from the closure of the bridge is considered by Network Rail.”

Councillor Roger Geiss said the plans had not yet been publicised and he was looking into how to challenge them.

Coun Geiss said: “Closing Greyhound Lane for six months is going to cause gridlock and chaos for residents across the whole area.”