Northwold Road, the main thoroughfare from Stoke Newington to Clapton, has recently been blocked by roadworks at both ends. The roadworks, which started in August, the last of which is due to finish by 24th October, has led to traffic delays and increased journey times across the area. Roads in Cazenove ward are being used as rat-runs since side streets on the south side of the B111 road have been closed, Hackney Post witnessed.
Residents have expressed anger on social media, with several disputes with local councillors and authorities.
40 minutes sitting on Northwold road
These closures have to stop, I feel for the residents on this street, the pollution and noise that was never here before @hackneycouncil @HackneySave @jonburkeUK @horrendoushack1 pic.twitter.com/LG498kQO6c— nicky Johnston (@nickyJphoto) October 9, 2020
Local business owners along Upper Clapton Road have voiced their anger to the Hackney Post, with an anonymous employee saying it takes her “more than 40 minutes” to get to work.
“Customers are angry,” she added, noting that locals were told about these roadworks “just with leaflets [and] no actual consultation.”
Much of the disruption, scheduled to last until 24th October according to the London Roadworks Register (TfL), is caused by work to replace a Thames Water main at the junction with Upper Clapton Road. This meant that until last week, both ends of the road were simultaneously obstructed by roadworks, as paving works have also been happening intermittently at the Stoke Newington Common end.
The roadworks coincide with Hackney Council’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood operation. This means that potential diversionary routes are now only accessible to cyclists. Motorists have continued to queue along Northwold Road as a result.
On 9th October, Hackney Post observed a stream of traffic attempting to divert via Rossington Street and Geldeston Road. This was due to delays as well as a 106 bus terminating at Clapton Pond instead of completing its full route.
