Transport for London (TfL) has opened consultation on its proposed plans to complete Thamesmead's ‘road to nowhere' – Barnham Drive – by adding a 400-metre-long section of road that would be for the exclusive use of buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
Included in the proposal are:
- A new stretch of two-way ‘bus only' road
- A two-way cycle path alongside the new road
- Pavements along both sides of the new road
- A connection to the footpath and cycleway to Newmarsh Road
- Two new bus stops (one in each direction, each with a bus shelter)
- Streetlighting along the new road
- No parking at any time along Barnham Drive
According to TfL, the new bus route has been proposed to ensure that Thamesmead Waterfront, which is currently under consideration for ‘significant regeneration' has enough public transport connections. By introducing this route, it hopes to better connect both new and existing housing developments to the Thamesmead town centre.
Originally built in 2003, both ends of the proposed road are already in place; the missing piece of the puzzle is a central section to link the two ends. The road was intended to serve a housing development, which would have completed the route, but as the project never went ahead, the road fell with it.
The eight-week public consultation will run until 22 January 2026. More information on the plans and how to participate in the consultation can be found here.
