Major A40 Westway Closure Announced for Essential Structural Maintenance
Transport for London has confirmed that a significant section of the A40 Westway will be closed in both directions for approximately one month later this year. This substantial disruption will affect one of West London's primary traffic arteries as engineers undertake vital replacement work on aging structural joints along the dual carriageways.
Closure Details and Traffic Impact
The closure will be in effect from March 20 through to late April, with traffic being rerouted between the roundabout and Marylebone flyover. This temporary closure is expected to impact up to 96,000 drivers each day, representing a major disruption to daily commuting patterns across the capital.
Stuart Harvey, TfL's chief capital officer, emphasised the necessity of the work: "The A40 serves as a crucial artery in West London, and it's absolutely vital that we maintain it properly for the tens of thousands of people who rely on it daily. This essential maintenance will ensure the flyover remains safe and operational for decades to come."
Alternative Routes and Travel Advice
Transport for London is strongly encouraging all motorists to plan their journeys carefully during this period. For those travelling between the M25 and Central London via the A40, the recommended alternative routes include using the M4 and A4 instead. Drivers coming from Outer London towards Central London are advised to head for the A312 Parkway or A406 North Circular Road to connect with the M4 and A4.
The timing of this work has been carefully considered, with construction scheduled to take place over the Easter period and coordinated around other major roadworks to minimise disruption as much as possible. However, journeys around the A40 and the designated diversion routes are expected to be extremely busy throughout the closure period.
Public Transport Implications
The closure will have significant knock-on effects for public transport services in the area. Thirty-three bus routes are likely to experience delays as a result of the roadworks, including:
- 6, 13, 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 49, 52
- 70, 72, 74, 94, 95, 98, 113, 139, 148, 189
- 205, 207/N207, 220, 260, 272, 274, 295, 316, 452, E3, C1, SL8
Harvey added: "I'd like to thank local residents and commuters for their patience during these essential works. We encourage everyone to plan ahead for any journeys in the area and consider using alternative modes of transport wherever possible."
Long-Term Maintenance Programme
This month-long closure represents just one phase of ongoing safety and longevity improvements planned for the A40. Following the March-April closure, further works will continue with westbound traffic being rerouted at the Westway roundabout every weekend (excluding bank holidays) until July 6.
TfL has stated that this complete closure approach represents the best option to guarantee the complex structural work is completed as quickly and safely as possible. The replacement of aging joints on the dual carriageways requires significant engineering work that cannot be safely undertaken while maintaining normal traffic flow.
Regular updates on London's road network and this specific closure will be available through Transport for London's official website, where commuters can access the latest information and plan their journeys accordingly.
