Holborn gyratory: Next phase of works begin to improve safety for cyclists at lethal central London junctions

A major redesign of the Holborn gyratory has entered its next phase of works as Camden Council and Transport for London (TfL) look to improve the safety of the area for cyclists.

A consultation was held by the council last October in which a majority of respondents were found to be in-favour of introducing a range of cycling-friendly measures. According to the local authority, eight cyclists having been killed in Holborn since 2008.

Under the plans, which were given the go-ahead by Camden Council in December 2022, amendments include installing two-way protected cycle lanes on Procter Street, enlarging advance stop lines and an x-style pedestrian crossing outside Holborn Station.

Following the council's approval, Cllr Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden, said: “Working together with TfL, London's walking and cycling commissioner, and the mayor of London, these agreed changes will help ensure that the safety of cyclists is prioritised in the Holborn area, whilst improving the area for residents, businesses and visitors.”

The first batch of work began in August, including making the cycle boxes at the junction of Theobalds Road and Drake Street larger, and changing the lane on Kingsway north to right only, into Remnant Street.

The new phase involves a host of additional amendments, such as allowing two-way cycling in and out of Red Lion Square, adding a cycle gate on Procter Street, introducing two-way cycling on Catton Street, and adding planting and rain gardens to improve biodiversity and reduce the risk of flooding.

According to a leaflet produced by Camden Council on the project, the works are expected to take around 12 months.

“There will be periods where traffic lanes will be closed to enable the construction and for short periods, sections of High Holborn and Procter Street will be closed. This will affect bus routes in the area and how general traffic moves in the area,” the leaflet notes.

Commenting on the start of the latest round, London’s walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman wrote: “This significantly improves safety at a location that has seen far too many serious & fatal collisions.”