As expected, the temporary closure of the A22 Godstone Rd at Purley Rail bridge has caused significant disruption to traffic in the surrounding area. Loca traffic normally heading North from the A22 has had to divert via either St James Rd & Riddlesdown Rd or via Old Lodge Lane, and many bus services including the 455 have been seriously delayed.
In response to a query from Cllr Gayle Gander, TFL traffic engineers were on hand on 24 July to see the resultant queues along Old Lodge lane, and they have responded:
I did observe Old Lodge Lane on the first day of the closure and noticed the increased demand. I didn’t make any changes Monday as the A23 is the higher priority here with larger vehicle flows and more buses. Also the A23 is the official diversion for the works.
However following the your comments I have looked again and I have allowed Old Lodge Lane to increase the green time to relieve the queuing. I assume now that a lot of local traffic is trying to get out via Old Lodge Lane so I have an obligation to help them get out.
We recognise that it's still bad, but hopefully not as bad as it would have been without intervention, and it's all due to end on 3rd September.
Cllrs Simon Brew & Gayle Gander
