Brent Council publishes further information on 18 week New Year closure of Wembley High Road. Impact drop-ins on December 16th and 17th.

From Brent Council website

Major improvements are planned for Wembley High Road. Starting on 13 January 2025, we will begin essential road reconstruction work on all sides of Wembley Triangle.

After discussions with local traders, TfL, and other stakeholders, the council decided to delay the start date to avoid clashing with the busy Diwali and Christmas periods.

 

Map showing closure of Wembley Triangle and parts of Wembley Hill Road, Harrow Road and Wembley High Road. 

 

These works are expected to last for 18 weeks. During this period, extensive traffic management will be necessary, allowing access only for buses and emergency service vehicles.

The road is expected to reopen around mid-May 2025.

Phased Traffic Management Plan

Please refer to the phased Traffic Management Plans for more details of the closure:

·       Phase 1 - view the Phase 1 Traffic Management Plan - approximately 14 weeks

·       Phase 2 - view the Phase 2 Traffic Management Plan - approximately 4 weeks

Advance signing to inform of the works will be installed widely from 9 December.

Diversions

A signed diversion route along classified roads will be provided for all other traffic.

·       View the southbound diversion routes

·       View the northbound diversion routes

Drop-in sessions

We will  be holding two drop-in sessions where residents and businesses can speak with officers and the contractor about the works and any concerns they may have.

·       Monday 16 December 2024, 3.30 – 6.30pm at St Joseph's Infant and Junior Schools, Chatsworth Ave, HA9 6BE

·       Tuesday 17 December 2024, 3.30 – 6.30pm at Brent Civic Centre, Conference Hall, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ

We acknowledge the disruption and inconvenience this will cause and will do everything we can to minimise disruption and complete the upgrades as quickly as possible. For further information please read our FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the upgrades involve?

• Digging the full depth of the road’s structure.
• Building a new road structure and resurfacing of the road.
• The repair of existing drains and installation of new carriageway gullies, so that water is redirected safely.

Why are these upgrades required?

Our roads are under increasing pressure from an ever-growing number of vehicles and the increase in weight of vehicles over the years. The road structure was found to be failing and in a state of disrepair, where short-term fixes were no longer appropriate.

These upgrades have been planned as part of a long-term investment to protect this key route for years to come.

How long with the upgrades last?

Works are planned to commence from Monday, 13 January 2025 and will be completed by around mid-May.

Who has been notified?

The Council has been in contact with local communities, businesses, elected representatives and other stakeholders including Emergency services, TFL and London buses to advise of our plans and to implement the upgrades.

Advance signing to notify of the works has been installed and notification letters distributed to the local community.

Will buses be diverted?

A running lane will be created to provide access for buses and the Emergency services. Some routes will need to be diverted. For further information or to find out how your bus travel may be affected, please visit the TFL London Buses website.

Can the upgrades be undertaken faster?

After discussions with local businesses, residents, and other organisations the option for a general closure was picked, along with access for buses and emergency services only. A part closure of the road would have taken a lot more time and was considered too much of an impact on the local community and businesses.

What other methods were considered?

The council considered a full road closure (all vehicles), and a phased approach leaving different lanes open for traffic. The full closure provided the shortest timescale, but it impacted greatly on the emergency services and bus routes. The phased or lane closure approaches, although less disruptive to general traffic, greatly extended the duration of works.

Will I be able to access the area?

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works. Vehicle access will be permitted to St Joseph’s Church and the underground car parks of the adjacent residential blocks (eastbound only) during phase 1 of the works.

I live within the affected area, where can I park during the upgrades?

There are no changes to the current parking arrangements along the surrounding roads. For phase two of the works, that will last approx. 1 month, access will not be permitted to St Joseph’s Church and the underground car parks of the adjacent residential blocks.

Will shops be open as usual?

Shops will stay open throughout the duration of the upgrades. Brent are working closely with local businesses within the area to accommodate their needs to maintain a normal service.

How disruptive will the upgrades be?

As with any major roadworks, travel times are expected to increase during these upgrades, so please allow extra time to prepare for your journey.

We have put in place diversions, so larger vehicles have clear alternative routes around the roadworks, which should free up other parts of the road network for domestic vehicles. Once motorists become familiar with diversions and find alternative routes, it is anticipated that any congestion will reduce as pressure on the area is alleviated.

If you have any question and would like more information about the planned upgrades or if you have a disability and would like this information in another format, please email Michael Heffernan Public Liaison Officer Michael.heffernan@gwhighways.co.uk or highways.management@brent.gov.uk.