Project background

In 2016, initial improvement works started on the section of Forest Road near the boundary with Haringey, to support the opening of Walthamstow Wetlands. Works included a new pedestrian and cycle crossing and a first section of segregated cycle track linking to the border with Haringey. Over the following three years, the sections of Forest Road between Blackhorse Station and Bell Junction (Hoe Street) were upgraded to provide improved infrastructure for active and sustainable travel. Between 2020 and 2022, further major junction improvements took place at Blackhorse Road and Bell Junctions, and a final permanent scheme was put in place through the reservoirs.

In 2020, Transport for London’s (TfL) London Streetscape Plan (LSP) provided further funding to deliver walking and cycling improvements on Forest Road between Hoe Street and Woodford New Road. During the COVID-19 pandemic, London’s public transport capacity was reduced and it was anticipated that if these journeys were replaced by car journeys, streets would become heavily congested. Therefore LSP funding was created to boost walking and cycling, and reduce pressure on the road and public transport network.

The LSP funding allowed Waltham Forest to implement an interim scheme between Hoe Street and Woodford New Road, creating a virtually continuous end-to-end route, stretching from Haringey to Redbridge. The interim scheme adopted a low-cost approach, with minimal highway layout and traffic signal junction changes.

While the interim scheme has delivered some benefits, the aim has always been to develop and deliver a high-quality set of permanent improvements in the eastern section of Forest Road between Hoe Street and Woodford New Road. We have been using feedback from the community on the interim scheme along with a range of traffic and highways data to shape our permanent plans for this final section of Forest Road.

We have developed and delivered the Forest Road Scheme following a phased consultation and construction approach, allowing residents and businesses to get involved in the part of Forest Road that they use the most, whilst also helping to minimise disruption during the construction stages.

We understand the importance of early and on-going involvement with the local community to help shape our schemes, and for each section of Forest Road we have undertaken a range of engagement activities to gather feedback on proposed changes. Where possible we have made adjustments to meet the needs of the community, whilst also delivering the objectives of the scheme. Throughout, we have been seeking the views of key groups and services in the area including the emergency services, schools, local businesses and community groups amongst others. We understand that these groups play an important role within the community and we will continue to work with them to develop a scheme that improves the area without impacting key services.

You can view the consultation documents for each section of Forest Road completed so far, by visiting https://enjoywalthamforest.co.uk/work-in-your-area/forest-road

Most recently, when the interim scheme was constructed in 2020, an online questionnaire was made available for local people to feedback what they thought was and wasn’t working. This allowed us to make some changes and adjustments to the live scheme in response to local feedback, and has helped inform the development of the permanent final scheme. During the initial six month statutory consultation period 127 individuals took part in the survey, of which 51 per cent stated they lived within the area, 22 per cent travelled through the area and 12 per cent worked in area. When asked how people felt about the scheme overall 53 per cent were positive or somewhat positive, 43 per cent were negative and 4 per cent were neutral.