Bexley Council is considering an alternative route for the Bexleyheath to Erith cycle network development, responding to concerns that the original plan could significantly disrupt traffic. The proposed change was a key topic at the Transport Users' Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday, 17 July 2025.
The original plan focused on Church Road, but initial investigations revealed challenges in meeting Transport for London's (TfL) Cycle Route Quality Criteria (CRQC) without major changes to traffic patterns. Previous traffic modelling indicated that restricting vehicles northbound or southbound on Church Road would increase congestion, especially along the Gravel Hill / Erith Road corridor. As a result, the council explored an alternative route via Arnsberg Way and Long Lane.
The original alignment via Church Road presents challenges due to spatial limitations and high traffic volumes. Achieving CRQC would necessitate major alterations to traffic movements, potentially increasing congestion along the Gravel Hill/Erith Road corridor. However, it offers benefits such as a connection to Bexleyheath Rail Station and existing segregated cycling infrastructure along Albion Road, supporting further expansion of the cycling network.
The alternative alignment via Arnsberg Way and Long Lane also has its own set of challenges. The Long Lane bridge does not meet CRQC and would require significant engineering works. Any structural changes to the Long Lane bridge would require Network Rail approvals. On the other hand, this route offers a shorter and more direct path, following natural desire lines for cyclists and providing stronger connectivity into Bexleyheath Town Centre.
The council's recommendation is to progress with the alternative alignment, considering its shorter distance and more natural cyclist desire line. While Church Road represents a lower-cost option for achieving CRQC compliance, altering traffic flows along this corridor would likely cause significant disruption to Bexleyheath Town Centre and surrounding roads. Previous modelling supports this and updated modelling would likely show similar outcomes. This could introduce further costs, delays and inconvenience to other road users.
Feedback from Bexley Cycling (London Cycling Campaign) raised similar concerns regarding the original alignment and suggested the same alternative alignment. Bexley Cycling also highlighted concerns about Avenue Road due to its steep gradient and suggested Park Crescent as a potential alternative. The Council will investigate this further and if found feasible, consider incorporating it into the cycle route for further design development.
The main drawback of the alternative route is its weaker strategic link to Bexley Rail Station and the uncertainty around funding to expand Long Lane bridge to meet TfL's CRQC. However, if TfL is open to accepting a short non-compliant section, then Long Lane bridge is the more manageable option compared to the much longer non-compliant stretch on Church Road.
LBB and TfL will need to agree whether to undertake further feasibility and design development of either the original or alternative alignment—or both—based on the findings of this report. A decision on the alignment is expected in July/August 2025, with design progress, public consultation, and cost refinement planned between August 2025 and April 2026.
