Kensal corridor

Kensal Corridor

The Gas Board have identified several gas leaks along Chamberlayne Road. Their contractor, Cadent, have managed to repair some of the leaks, however, additional leaks on Westminster’s side of the road and further north along Chamberlayne Road means it is not feasible for our contractors GWH to continue their work until the leaks have been identified and repaired.

We have reviewed if GWH can work at other locations along Chamberlayne Road, however, with reports of multiple leaks this is not considered practical as Cadent may end up excavating the newly constructed footway. Having two contractors working on Chamberlayne Road within a relatively short area will also inevitably result in extensive congestion and disruption.

GWH will be continue to work on Kilburn Lane until the end of this week (22 November) to complete the section and then clear all materials from site.

We will need to work with Cadent to confirm how long they will require to complete their repairs and reprogramme our works to recommence in the New Year once we have confirmed details. Cadent cannot confirm dates at present as they are still investigating the issue to confirm the number and locations of the leaks.

This will extend our works programme past the current completion date. We will inform you of the revised programme once we are in a position to confirm dates.

Chamberlayne Road works update October 2024

GW Highways are currently working on a section of footway between the junctions of Mostyn Gardens and Mortimer Road, to safely control traffic in the area four way temporary traffic lights have been installed and will be required for the duration of the works.

Works will continue along both sides of the road, it is expected that works between Mortimer Road and the bridge will commence next week and will take up to three weeks to complete.

Works between the bridge and Harvist Road are expected to take an additional three weeks, this will be followed by works between Harvist Road and Kempe Road which are expected to take slightly longer.

The anticipated completion date is currently mid-December, this revised date is due to a change in the working practices on site to reduce disruption. GW Highways have provided an emergency telephone number to report any issues, 01202 043259

The Highways Management Service and GW Highways are working to minimise any disruption and inconvenience.

Arrangements have been made for the following measures;

additional green time has been given to pedestrians to accommodate pedestrians including school children at peak times, unfortunately this may increase delays to motorists
additional keep clear markings with a review of the possibilities of installing yellow box junctions to help keep traffic moving
parking restriction review at key areas to deter any obstructive parking or loading, and improve traffic flows, particularly during peak times
increased Parking enforcement and use of ‘No Parking’ Cones
new School signage to warn motorists that there are children and other pedestrians crossing the road
anti Idling signage
additional advanced warning signage at key intersections to inform motorists of delays and encourage the use of alternative routes
improvement works on Chamberlayne Road, section from Mostyn Gardens to the bridge (Travis Perkins) - completed September 2024.
improvement works on the Chamberlayne Road / Harvist Road / Mortimer Road completed 17 October 2024.
works on the remaining of the Kensal Corridor scheme from the bridge (Travis Perkins) on Chamberlayne Rd to Regent Street commences on Monday 21 October 2024. Work is expected to be complete by February 2025.

Officers will continue to monitor the works regularly, to identify any emerging issues and whether any further mitigation measures are needed.

We are also liaising with TfL signals team and TfL Buses during the course of the works. The diversion of buses would be for the consideration of TfL and the effect this would have on bus passengers. Buses contribute to fewer car journeys and therefore reducing congestion and pollution.

Kensal Rise improvements

We are making public realm improvements in Kensal Rise to make it easier and more pleasant to get around by foot, as well as reducing traffic congestion on the main roads through Kensal Rise into central London (known as the ‘Kensal Corridor’).

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to our public consultations in March 2018 and July 2019. This scheme was developed working collaboratively with the Kensal Consultative Group, (APRATA, KRRA, KTRA, QPARA and the Kensal Rise Business Association), as well as TfL and London Buses.

The consultation showed majority of residents support the proposals. The Kensal Corridor Masterplan was consulted on in March 2018 with 80 per cent of respondents in support of the proposals.

Following this successful consultation, the scheme progressed to a detailed design with a further consultation in July 2019 with 86 per cent of respondents in the area supporting the proposals.

Construction work was phased into different stages. The first phase of the improvement which included Station Terrace and section of Chamberlayne Rd between Kensal Rise Overground Station to Kempe Road started in August 2021 and was completed in September 2022. The remaining part of the scheme which is section of Chamberlayne Road from Kempe Road to Regent Street is scheduled to start in late February 2024 and is expected to be completed in Summer 2024.

What are the changes?

The project will:

Improve bus facilities, movement and accessibility
Improve Kensal Rise station access / interchange
Improve the environment and provide improved crossings for local residents, businesses and visitors
Widen pavements to facilitate walking
Add new bus shelters and widen waiting areas
Reduce congestion and associated pollution
New cycle lanes, cycle parking and improved accessibility
Improve road safety
Introduce a 20mph speed restriction between Mortimer Rd and Harrow Rd junction making the whole corridor 20mph
Improve parking and loading facilities for local businesses
Improve the public realm and provide quality including new pavements and carriageway resurfacing
Develop community greening schemes including greening to Station Terrace and a series of pocket gardens along the high street
Declutter redundant signage
Work with TfL to optimise the operation of traffic signals at existing junctions

What can I expect during the works?

During construction we will do everything we can to minimise disruption. To keep those working on the construction sites safe, during the course of the construction works, we will at times need to suspend parking in areas surrounding the works.

Background information

In 2016 Brent Council, in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), appointed a project team to develop a concept design looking at ways of improving public realm features and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in the Chamberlayne Road area.

The Chamberlayne Road public realm study included the length of Chamberlayne Road / Kilburn Lane from Whitmore Gardens to Harrow Road and including Station Terrace. The output from the study formed the basis of a bid for TfL funding, essential to progress the scheme to the next stage. A copy of the evidence report and appendices are available below, including early option designs. At that time, Councillor Eleanor Southwood said:

"This report is an important landmark in our work to improve Chamberlayne Road. Four local residents’ associations, local councillors, council officers and our consultants, Urban Flow, have developed an exciting vision for the future of the area. The focus has been on reducing congestion, improving air quality and making Chamberlayne Road a pleasant, safe place to enjoy. The next stage is to identify potential funding sources so that we can start to make our vision into reality."

The scheme has been fully consulted on two separate occasions, with substantial support (over 80%) for the project objectives and identified measures, including that from representatives from the majority of the Kensal Consultative Group that was set up to help steer the community project involvement. The scheme progressed to detail design and there was a further consultation July 2019.

Chamberlayne Road works update October 2024

Kensal Rise improvements

What are the changes?

What can I expect during the works?

Background information

Related documents

Kensal Corridor Masterplan Presentation

Download report and appendices

Kensal Corridor scheme drawings