Newham Council has approved a £1.8 million investment to significantly enhance cycling infrastructure and road safety along Romford Road, focusing on the junction of Woodgrange Road and Upton Lane.

The Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme at Junction 2 will see the modernisation of traffic signals, the introduction of segregated cycle facilities, and amendments to parking and loading restrictions. This initiative is part of a larger £10 million project aimed at improving the street environment and promoting sustainable travel.

The decision was made by Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, on August 5, 2026. The scheme is funded by Transport for London's (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) and Newham Council's Active and Sustainable Travel (AST) scheme, with an estimated cost of £0.9 million for this specific junction.

Proposals for the junction upgrades were put forward following a statutory consultation period between June 24 and July 15, 2026. During this time, eight responses were received, all expressing support for the planned improvements. A public drop-in event held at Forest Gate Library on July 9, 2026, also garnered largely positive feedback from the 34 attendees.

Respondents welcomed the anticipated benefits for pedestrian safety, cycling provision, and the overall public realm. They described the existing junction as difficult, unpleasant or unsafe to navigate, particularly for people walking and cycling . The scheme aligns with the Mayor's Transport Strategy and Vision Zero commitment to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries.

Key changes include the introduction of new loading bays, 'at any time' waiting and loading restrictions, and the conversion of footway and carriageway space into segregated cycle tracks. Additionally, a Copenhagen-style blended raised crossing will be constructed in Sprowston Road, and pedestrian crossings will be upgraded.

The works will be carried out by Marlborough Highways Ltd through the Council's Highways Works Contract 2026. The decision record, available in the Public reports pack, indicates that the implementation of these measures can commence from August 19, 2026. This follows the end of the 'call-in period', a period after the decision's publication during which members can request it be reviewed. The call-in period concluded at midnight on August 18, 2026.