A40 Westway Section to Close for Six Weeks From March

A major section of the A40 Westway in west London will be closed from late March until late April to allow Transport for London to carry out essential maintenance work on the ageing road structure. The closure will affect the stretch between the A40 Westway Roundabout and the Marylebone flyover, one of the busiest parts of the capital’s road network. Used by up to 96,000 vehicles a day, the route plays a critical role in connecting west London with central areas. TfL said the works are safety critical and unavoidable, as parts of the structure have reached the end of their service life. The authority added that extensive planning had gone into scheduling the closure to reduce disruption, including aligning part of the works with the Easter period when traffic volumes are typically lower.

The upcoming phase of maintenance focuses on replacing two expansion joints on the Marylebone flyover, components that allow the structure to expand and contract safely with temperature changes and heavy traffic loads. TfL said the work is complex and highly specialised, requiring a full carriageway closure for the duration of the project. Due to the nature of the flyover, the road cannot be reopened in stages and must remain closed until the work is fully completed. Engineers assessed a range of alternative options, but a full closure was deemed the safest and fastest way to deliver the repairs while protecting road users and workers. The project forms part of a wider, long-term renewal programme aimed at keeping the A40 safe and reliable for decades to come.

TfL acknowledged the closure will have a significant impact on traffic and public transport in the area. A comprehensive traffic signal strategy will be introduced to help manage congestion on surrounding routes, and conditions will be closely monitored throughout the works. Official diversion routes will be in place, but TfL warned that local roads are expected to be particularly busy, with delays likely during peak periods. In addition to general traffic disruption, 33 bus routes will be affected, with temporary changes introduced to keep services running where possible. Road users travelling into London via the A40 are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Drivers are being encouraged to consider alternative routes or modes of transport during the closure period. TfL said that for shorter trips, walking, cycling or using the Tube may be quicker and more reliable options. Regular updates on road conditions and travel disruption will be provided through TfL’s online channels and travel tools. Officials also confirmed that further maintenance work on the A40 Westway is planned beyond this phase, with additional details to be announced once schedules are finalised. TfL said it understands the inconvenience caused but stressed that the work is essential to ensure the long-term safety of one of London’s key transport corridors.