Newham Council has approved a significant upgrade of the Romford Road junction with Woodgrange Road and Upton Lane, a project designed to enhance road safety, cycling infrastructure, and traffic management.
The decision, given the green light by Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, on August 5, 2026, will see the modernisation of traffic signals, the introduction of segregated cycle facilities, and amendments to parking and loading restrictions. These proposals directly contribute to Vision Zero, the Mayor of London's commitment to eliminating road deaths and serious injuries.
The project is part of the wider Romford Road Public Realm Improvement scheme, which has secured over £10 million in funding. While the Levelling Up Fund, Transport for London's (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP), and Newham Council capital allocations are all contributing to the overall scheme, for this specific junction upgrade (Junction 2), £1.8 million has been allocated from the TfL LIP and £1.0 million from the Newham Council Active and Sustainable Travel (AST) scheme for the 2026/27 financial year. The estimated cost for Junction 2 is approximately £0.9 million.
The scheme aims to improve road safety by modernising traffic signals, introducing segregated cycle facilities, and amending parking, waiting, and loading restrictions. The new segregated cycle tracks are proposed to aid cyclists in linking with existing and new cycle links and networks along key routes. This aligns with TfL's Cycling Action Plan and the London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS), which promote high-quality, safe, and inclusive cycling infrastructure as part of a coherent network.
Changes will include new loading bays, 'at any time' waiting and loading restrictions, and the conversion of footway and carriageway space into segregated cycle tracks on Romford Road, Woodgrange Road, and Upton Lane. A Copenhagen-style blended raised crossing will be constructed in Sprowston Road, and new pedestrian crossings, including mini zebra crossings and upgraded signalised crossings, will be installed.
A statutory consultation on the junction proposals, held between June 24 and July 15, 2026, received eight responses, all of which supported the plans. A public drop-in event at Forest Gate Library on July 9, 2026, was attended by 34 people, with feedback also being largely positive.
The works will be carried out by Marlborough Highways Ltd through the Council's Highways Works Contract 2026. The decision record, made on August 11, 2026, notes that this is a key decision with an estimated total value up to £1 million. The implementation of the decision can commence from August 19, 2026, following the end of the call-in period.
The decision was made following consultation with various stakeholders, including ward councillors, Transport for London, statutory consultees, Newham Cyclists, and local residents and businesses. Further details on the decision can be found in the Public reports pack 05th-Aug-2026 Officer Key Decision.