Drivers face 'racetrack' chaos

Drivers face months of chaos as one of London's biggest one-way systems is dug up and dismantled.

The Aldgate East gyratory was built in the Seventies but has been criticised ever since for creating a "racetrack" mentality among motorists, terrifying pedestrians and cyclists.

Under an £8 million engineering scheme due to take the rest of the year, the northernmost section of the system, Whitechapel High Street, will be returned to two-way traffic.

Braham Street, which runs parallel with Whitechapel High Street to the south, will be transformed next year. The western end of the road will become a public space with lawns, trees, seating and a "performance" area.

Other roads near Braham Street, including Mansell Street, Leman Street and Alie Street, will remain one-way but will get new pedestrian crossings and "advanced stop" bays for cyclists. Pedestrian underpasses will be replaced with street-level crossings. Preliminary work by engineers has started and major work will begin within weeks, with the traffic "switch" - when cars can begin to travel in both directions along Whitechapel High Street - planned for August.

As part of the scheme, overseen by Transport for London, pavements will be widened and a new entrance to Aldgate East Tube station will be created south of Whitechapel High Street, with a new taxi pick-up and drop-off point. The project is being funded by developer Tishman Speyer, which proposes to build a commercial development at the eastern end of Braham Street once roadworks are completed.

In return, the company will be given the parcel of land - which is currently highway - free.

TfL says diversions for cars will be signposted when necessary.

Dana Skelley, TfL's interim director of road network management, said: "The changes we are making have been welcomed by all of the road-users we've spoken to, particularly cyclists.

"The scheme will not only improve the accessibility and safety of the road network but, with the creation of a new public space, we will be contributing to the overall regeneration of Aldgate."

Kevin Delaney, of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "This is one of the most important gyratory systems to the east of the City.

"It is difficult to overstate the importanceof this transport node, and unless the improvements are carried out sensitively and promptly, they could bring traffic chaos."

Koy Thomson, London Cycling Campaign's chief executive, welcomed the scheme. "Removing this urban blight will restore this historic area for business and personal use," he said.