Greyhound Lane Bridge opening

Scott and I went down to the Greyhound Lane Bridge opening today (just to make sure it really did open as planned!)

When we heard it was opening we put a thousand or so letters around to local people and businesses to make sure they knew it was happening two months ahead of schedule.

At the opening we met with local campaigner Anthony Ellis who has done so much for local residents and businesses during the bridge closure, and has been key in maintaining the pressure on Network Rail, TfL and the Council to get the bridge back open as soon as possible.

Streatham Common Bridge to re-open on 7 May

The bridge on Greyhound Lane by Streatham Common station which has been closed since November 2012 is to reopen two months early.

The bridge was closed to vehicles while Network Rail extended platforms at the station underneath to allow for longer trains. Sections of the bridge had to be removed and replaced to accommodate the longer platforms below.

They was huge criticism for the council and Network Rail from local people, for the lack of notice given. Businesses in particular had no time to prepare for the huge impact it has had. The Streatham Bridge Business Association estimates that the local economy has lost around £19 million because of the closure.

The bridge was originally due to reopen to one way traffic from the end of April with a full reopening at the end of July.

After pressure from local residents and businesses however, Network Rail has been in discussion with Lambeth Council and the local business association, and agreed the bridge will reopen fully to traffic on Tuesday 7 May.

When we went around the area this morning letting people know, there were, as you might expect, lots of smiles at the news.