North London: Wembley High Road to close for four months for vital drainage works

The road has been damaged by ‘leaky drainage systems’ that will need to be replaced, as well as from the ‘increased pressure’ of more vehicles using it.

Wembley High Road will be closed for 18 weeks starting from January 13, with the works expected to be completed around mid-May. Following discussions with local businesses, emergency services, and Transport for London (TfL), Brent Council has opted to delay the start date to prevent clashing with the busy Christmas and Diwali periods.

The works, to be carried out by GW Highways Ltd, will take place between Cecil Avenue and The Triangle, marking the final stage of improvements that have been on-going for several years. The roads structure was said to be ‘failing and in a state of disrepair’ with short-term fixes ‘no longer appropriate’, according to the council.

The repair work includes digging up the full depth of the road’s service, building a new road structure and resurfacing it, repairing the existing drains, and installing new gullies so the water is redirected safely. A part-closure of the road was considered but it was determined that it ‘greatly extended the duration of works’ and would have too much of an impact on the local community and businesses.

A lane will be created to provide access for buses and emergency services, while pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works and vehicles will still be able to get to St Joseph’s Church and the underground car parks. Shops will stay open throughout so businesses are able to maintain a normal service.

Brent Council has warned that travel times are expected to increase and advised road users to ‘allow extra time’ for any journey through the area. It said: “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.”

It added: “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.”

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure Cllr Krupa Sheth said: “I recognise that closing an important section of the road is not ideal for residents and businesses. That is why we have listened to feedback and pushed back the start date to after the busy Diwali and Christmas periods.”

She added: “These upgrades are vital for the future of the road and residents can look forward to a very smooth ride down Wembley High Road once work is completed around the middle of May.”