To complement Network Rail's plans for the stations
The council’s plans to smarten up the streets and improve transport connections around Earlsfield and Putney Stations are moving forward to the next stage.
The Earlsfield scheme involves widening pavements around the station and clearing away unnecessary street clutter like phone boxes and railings to create more space for pedestrians.
The aim is to improve the appearance of the town centre and reduce overcrowding at rush hour when thousands of commuters switch between buses and trains.
A series of changes will also be made to the local road network to improve traffic flow and make conditions safer for cyclists. The project is being funded by a £400,000 grant from TfL and work is expected to start later this year.
A feasibility study is now underway for a similar scheme around Putney Station. This could involve widening pavements, relocating cycle parking stands as well as changes to the taxi rank and nearby bus stops to help ease congestion on the roads and pavements.
Designs are still being developed and a public consultation will take place in the coming months. If there is support for the scheme the council will apply for funding from TfL in the next financial year.
The projects are designed to complement plans by Network Rail to improve Putney and Earlsfield Stations by widening the entrances and installing new lifts. The council is helping to secure funding for these projects through agreements with local developers.
Wandsworth’s planning and transport spokesman Ravi Govindia said, “Both of these stations have become much busier in recent years as pressure on our transport network continues to grow. At rush hour the surrounding pavements are simply not wide enough to cope with the numbers of people flooding in and out.
“These schemes would create much more room for pedestrians and make it easier for people to swap between buses and trains. The proposals are an ideal fit with Network Rail’s station modernisations and together they will represent a major improvement to both town centres.”
The schemes were backed by the council’s strategic planning and transportation overview and scrutiny committee on January 18 and approved by the council’s executive on Jan 31. The full report is available online.
January 31, 2011
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