Motorists navigating the Square Mile are set for a challenging start to 2026, with the City of London Corporation publishing a detailed schedule of planned and ongoing road closures for January. The majority of the disruptions are attributed to the relentless pace of building projects and essential utility works within the historic financial district.
January 2026: Scheduled Closures and Key Dates
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has analysed the Corporation's official updates to compile a comprehensive list of restrictions affecting drivers next month. The schedule includes both short-term closures and the continuation of longer-term projects.
Notable closures commencing in January include utility works on Ludgate Hill from January 1 to 2, between Pageantmaster Court and Ludgate Circus. A clean-up operation following New Year's Eve celebrations will close Queen Victoria Street from Puddle Dock to Blackfriars on January 3.
Building works will shut Clements Lane by King William Street from January 5 to 12, while utility works close Outwich Street from January 5 to 19, with a prohibited right turn from Camomile Street. A mobile crane operation will close the entire length of Gloucester Court on January 6.
The most significant new closure begins on January 15, with West Smithfield by Farringdon Street shutting until August 3 to facilitate works related to the Museum of London.
Ongoing Long-Term Disruption Projects
Beyond the January-specific works, several major long-term closures will continue to impact traffic flow in the City. These extensive projects underline the scale of development activity in the area.
Whitefriars Street, from Ashentree Court to Fleet Street, remains closed until June 3, 2026, due to a nearby building site. Brackley Street from Golden Lane to Viscount Street is shut until April 30, 2026, also for building works.
Other prolonged closures include Wilson Street by Sun Street (until May 31, 2027), Snow Hill from Cock Lane to Holborn Viaduct eastbound (until August 31, 2027), and King William Street southbound from Nicholas Lane to Abchurch Lane (until November 30, 2026).
Further Works Affecting Key Routes
The list of disruptions extends to several other vital corridors. Abchurch Lane from Cannon Street to King William Street is closed until August 31, 2026. South Place westbound from Wilson Street to Moorgate faces closure until September 15, 2026, for 'project scheme works'.
Bury Court is fully closed until January 30, 2026, while Castle Baynard Street from Puddle Dock to Lambeth is shut until October 31, 2026, for 'CoL project works'. Utility works will also affect Wood Street from Gresham Street to Cheapside until January 30, 2026, and Wormwood Street eastbound from Old Broad Street to Bishopsgate until January 3, 2026.
The City of London Corporation advises all drivers to check its dedicated webpage for the latest information on road closures before travelling through the Square Mile. Planning alternative routes and allowing extra journey time is strongly recommended to navigate the extensive programme of works.
