Newham Council's Cabinet has agreed to progress plans for a Greenway Diversion Emergency Safety Scheme
aimed at providing safer alternative walking and cycling routes. The scheme is a response to the ongoing closure of The Greenway, a vital active travel corridor, due to Thames Water's Northern Outfall Sewer works programme.
The Greenway, which runs along the Northern Outfall Sewer, has been subject to extensive closures since September 2024, with a full closure between Upper Road and Channelsea Path expected to continue until at least 2028. These works are essential for the long-term resilience of London's wastewater infrastructure.
Recognising the significant concern caused by the prolonged closure, Newham Council has been actively engaging with Thames Water to mitigate the impacts. Mayor of Newham visited the work site on June 4, 2026, and has formally requested assurances from Thames Water regarding opportunities to accelerate the programme, explore phased reopening options, and provide financial support for mitigation measures on alternative routes. The council is seeking voluntary financial contributions from Thames Water towards these mitigation measures, which are intended to improve safety and accessibility on the diversion routes. These include improvements to pedestrian crossing facilities, cycling infrastructure, traffic calming measures, road safety enhancements at junctions, and improved wayfinding and user comfort.
Cabinet has now delegated authority to the Director of Highways, Parking and Transportation, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport and the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment, to proceed with the implementation of alternative route proposals. These proposals, detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, focus on an alternative walking and cycling route along the A112 corridor, also known as Cycling Future Route 7 ('CFR7'). Key improvements planned include enhanced pedestrian crossing facilities, cycling infrastructure, traffic speed reduction measures, improved road safety at key junctions, and better wayfinding and signing. These proposals are subject to consultation outcomes and further detailed appraisals of preliminary designs.
The funding for this initiative is allocated as follows: a net £1 million from the Newham Active and Sustainable Travel (AST) capital programme for 2026/27, and an additional £2.1 million for 2027/28, split evenly between the Transport for London Cycling Network Development (CND) programme and the LBN AST programme. Officers are also in discussions with Thames Water regarding potential voluntary financial contributions towards mitigation measures associated with the Greenway closure.
Consultation with residents, businesses, ward members, Transport for London, and active travel groups will be undertaken before any permanent measures are introduced. The prolonged closure has generated significant concern amongst these groups due to the loss of a key segregated active travel corridor. The council will continue to monitor Thames Water's programme and seek updates on potential earlier reopening of The Greenway. Newham Council has formally requested Thames Water to explore opportunities for phased or partial reopening of The Greenway prior to its expected full reopening in late 2028, though specific details of these options and their timelines are not yet specified. Residents can find updates on the closure and diversionary routes on the Council's website.
See Appendix 1 of the Greenway Diversion Emergency Safety Scheme report for preliminary designs. See the Greenway Diversion Emergency Safety Scheme report.