Transport for London (TfL) is set to begin construction work at Kew Bridge on 12 December, in preparation for a major project to upgrade pedestrian crossings and create new segregated cycle lanes in west London.

The new roads and junctions are proposed to form part of a major 7km cycle route between Brentford and Kensington Olympia, subject to final approvals from the London boroughs of Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham.

TfL will be starting construction work over the Christmas period to take advantage of reduced traffic on the roads. On average, says TfL, there is about 15% less traffic on London’s streets at this time of year.

TfL will also open an arch under Kew Bridge to create step-free access to the Thames Path, which will now run under the bridge, rather than over it. TfL is in final talks with Hounslow Council on the work needed to make this happen, and they say an announcement on the opening date will be made shortly.