As the year draws to a close, we reflect on a year of transformative projects across the London Boroughs of Newham, Enfield and Redbridge. At Kenson Highways, our work is driven by a commitment to safer, greener, and more sustainable environments, aligning Healthy Streets objectives. Here’s a look at a few of our major projects and achievements from 2024.
Westfield Avenue Project
The Westfield Avenue project redefined urban streetscapes through an innovative blend of green infrastructure, accessibility enhancements, and active travel improvements. Key milestones included:
- Central Reservation Transformation: Replacing the old central reservation with a new one featuring rain gardens, parking/loading bays, and accessible spaces.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS): Installed to reduce reliance on traditional drainage and alleviate stormwater pressures.
- Greener Public Spaces: New low-level planting and trees enrich the rain gardens, tying into the iconic Olympic Park aesthetic.
- Southern Footway Enhancements: Added cycle stands, benches, and a Brompton Cycle Hire unit for improved pedestrian and cyclist convenience.
- Cycle Lane Installation: Constructed a new dedicated cycle lane spanning the length of Westfield Avenue, with a temporary cycle lane in place to maintain access throughout the works.
Notable events included two engagements with local MPs, cycling groups, and accessibility advocates, culminating in a ceremony for the new cycle lane on 25th November 2024.
Mayor of Newham Visit
The Mayor of Newham, alongside the CEO of LLDC, the London Walking and Cycling Commissioner, and the Deputy Mayor for Environment & Energy, praised the project’s achievements. Highlights included:
- Recognition for traffic management and maintaining access during construction.
- A ceremonial tree planting celebrating sustainable urban development.
- Commendations for integrating SUDS and cycle-friendly designs to enhance connectivity and reduce car dependency.
Romford Road Cycle Scheme
Continuing the transformation of Romford Road, we made significant strides in enhancing this vital transport corridor:
- Phase Completion: Completed the segment from Fifth to Sixth Avenue, with the next phase from Toronto Avenue to Worcester Road set to begin in January 2025.
- Cycle Lane Expansion: Built new cycle lanes on both sides of the road, incorporating rain gardens and wider footways.
- Improved Accessibility: Upgraded pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to foster a more enjoyable and environmentally friendly experience.
These efforts contribute to making Romford Road a safer, greener, and more active travel-focused space for the community.
Royal Docks Corridor (RDC) Scheme
Spanning from Canning Town Station to London City Airport, the RDC scheme showcases our commitment to enhancing public realms while promoting biodiversity and sustainability. This comprehensive project includes:
- Public Realm Enhancements: New footways, traffic calming measures, pedestrian crossings, and play areas.
- Greener Streetscapes: Rain gardens, trees, and green areas improve aesthetics and create habitats for urban wildlife.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems: SUDS systems significantly reduce stormwater impact on London’s drainage system.
- Phased Delivery: With Kenson Highways leading four of the scheme’s phases, two have been completed, two more are nearing completion in early 2025, and the final phase is slated for mid-2025.
The RDC scheme not only improves connectivity but also embodies the principles of Healthy Streets, encouraging walking and cycling while reducing negative environmental impacts.
Additional Schemes Across the Boroughs
Cranley Road
Completed junction works, lowering kerbs for the installation of a new raised table to improve accessibility and safety.
Ilford Hill
Laid new paving outside Ilford Station to enhance pedestrian access.
Goodmayes Lane and Green Lane
Remedial kerb work in preparation for surfacing.
Manford Way
Kerb works completed at four crossing points to support the installation of raised tables, reducing speeding in the local area.
Ley Street
Installed a new SUDS drainage system alongside a 140m² rain garden to manage stormwater effectively.
High Road Seven Kings
Implemented a hydro rock drainage system to mitigate standing water issues following heavy rainfall.
Boardmead Road Bridge
Conducted trial hole works on and beneath the bridge to assist with structural investigation.
Cycle Scheme: Gants Hill to Redbridge
This project included:
- Ilford to Gants Hill: Speed hump installations and a large rain garden on Balfour Road.
- Gants Hill to Redbridge: Civils work across Castle Drive, The Drive, Castleview Drive, and Beehive Lane, featuring raised table installations.
Gants Hill South 20mph Zone
Delivered a safer environment with 90 speed humps and 20mph gateway signs installed throughout Gants Hill South, along with new raised tables on The Drive, Canterbury Avenue, and Wanstead Lane to promote cycling and reduce speeding.
Caterham High School
Installed a new SUDS drainage system, gullies, and raised planting areas to address standing water issues in the school’s playground.
Onslow Gardens
Renewed footways using fully recycled concrete and asphalt, showcasing our commitment to sustainable materials.
Nightingale Lane
Reduced carriageway width while installing rain gardens, a paved area, and a new pedestrian crossing island to enhance safety and aesthetics.
Bus Priority 5 (Newham)
Completed a full junction renewal on High Road at the junction with Clegg Street, improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Gibbins Road (Newham)
Kerb works completed to prepare for the installation of a raised table, supporting the opening of the rear entrance to Stratford Train Station.
Key Achievements in 2024
This year, our projects delivered measurable improvements for the community, including:
- Safer, accessible cycleways to promote active travel.
- Rain gardens and planting to alleviate flooding and boost biodiversity.
- Enhanced road surfaces, footways, and lighting for improved safety and functionality.
- Creation of vibrant social spaces with benches, bike parking, and green areas.
These efforts have not only supported sustainable transport but also enriched local communities, providing greener, healthier, and more connected urban environments.
As we move into 2025, we remain committed to building on this year’s successes. To our clients, partners, and communities—thank you for your support. Here’s to another year of collaboration and progress.
Happy New Year!
Kenson Highways Team
