Streatham Hill's A23 Set For Major Overhaul

Anyone familiar with the A23 running through Streatham Hill will recognise it as a hectic scene.

The major road is plagued by badly-placed crossings, limited room for bikes, vehicles flying out of side roads, and buses crawling along at a snail's pace. It's also an accident hot spot; 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to 31 October 2024, resulting in injuries to 75 people. As former Streatham residents, we can also personally attest to the somewhat threatening nature of the road.

This July, TfL is finally commencing works on the area, following a consultation which was held back in early 2020. The overhaul — which will take place between Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood Road — will see:

Safer and easier walking routes, thanks to two new pedestrian crossings and the move of existing crossings to places where people actually want to cross.

New protected cycle lanes, including over the busy South Circular road.

Improvements to bus lanes by removing parking and loading bays, making it easier for buses to travel.

Changing some access to local side roads including restrictions and closures.

More attractive public spaces, including new trees and landscaping, as well as sustainable drainage to reduce the risk of flooding.

New traffic signals at the Telford Avenue junction, outside Brixton Bus Garage.

All this won't happen overnight: though the works will commence on 21 July 2025, they won't be completed until spring 2027. In the meantime, there will also be various disruptions, beginning with a series of lane restrictions in both directions on the A23 between the junction with Holmewood Road on Brixton Hill and the junction with Sternhold Avenue on Streatham Hill from Monday 4 August until the autumn.