Motorists driving through Wandsworth and Putney are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys from the middle of May when major roadworks are scheduled to begin in the Upper Richmond Road.
 
Engineers working for Southern Gas Networks will be carrying out the latest phase of
major gas main replacement work on the south circular between East Putney tube station and the junction of the Upper Richmond Road and West Hill.
 
The works are expected to start on Monday May 16th and will last for approximately eleven weeks. Putney and Wandsworth town centre are both likely to experience heavy traffic congestion throughout.
 
When the works begin, the Upper Richmond Road will become ‘one way only’ between the tube station and West Hill for vehicles heading east.
 
Drivers travelling westbound will be diverted via West Hill, Tibbets Corner and Putney Hill.
 
Transport for London, which is overseeing the works, will also be arranging for a signposted cyclist diversion route via Putney Bridge Road, Fawe Park Road and Oxford Road.
 
Residents living in Keswick Road and Oakhill Road are also being advised that their streets will be shut off at the junction with the Upper Richmond Road at various times throughout the project. Keswick Road will be closed at its junction with the south circular for approximately three or four weeks at the beginning of the works, and when it reopens Oakhill Road will close for a similar length of time.
 
Bus routes 37 and 337 will also be subject to diversions. Route 37 will be diverted via West Hill, Tibbet’s Corner and Tibbet’s Ride before terminating at Putney Heath. Route 337 will be diverted via West Hill, Tibbet’s Corner and Putney Hill before rejoining the existing route on Upper Richmond Road. For more information about changes to these services visit www.tfl.gov.uk .
 
To try and ensure the works are completed as quickly as possible and have the least impact on local residents and businesses, the council and TfL have instructed the gas company to carry out their works seven days a week.
 
However to ensure that residents do not suffer undue noise disturbance, there will be restrictions on these works as follows.
 

• Monday to Friday - 8am to 10pm (no noisy works to take place after 6pm).
• Saturday - 8am to 4pm (no noisy works after 1pm).
• Sunday - 9am to 1pm (no noisy works at all on these days).
  

The gas company is due to deliver letters to residents later this week giving more information about the scheme.
 
Full access to businesses on Upper Richmond Road for customers and deliveries is expected to be maintained.
 
Small business owners whose trade is affected may be able to claim compensation for any loss of earnings they suffer while works are taking place. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/3czwoje

 
Residents or businesses with questions about the progress of the works or who are experiencing problems should contact SGN’s contractors Morrison Utility Services or Southern Gas Networks in the first instance. Their numbers are 0844 375 9555 and 0845 070 1431 respectively.
 
May 3rd, 2011