Drivers and residents hit out at roadworks on A41 at Apex Corner

Transport for London (TfL) is carrying out planned bridge repairs on the A41 by Apex Corner, which began in April and is due to last until August.

On Tuesday (May 10), several new lane closures were introduced, prompting miles of traffic jams. A neighbourhood also says they've been “cut off”.

One lane is closed in both directions on the A41 on the bridge that runs over the M1 by Apex Corner, which is pictured in the background. While it is clear to get onto the A41, there is gridlock getting onto Apex Corner

The backlash has reportedly forced TfL officers down to Apex Corner to assess the situation and see what can be done to limit the “chaos” across Edgware and Mill Hill.

Simone Lyons, who lives in nearby Marsh Lane, said: “It is a horrific situation. There are people I know who have taken two hours to get around.

“People are getting aggressive, it cannot continue like this, it’s atrocious.”

Lane closure from Apex Corner onto the A41 approaching the bridge that is being repaired

As part of the new phase, TfL shut one of two lanes on the A41 bridge towards Stanmore, closing a lane on Apex Corner itself, as well as all roads into the junction, including on the A1 from Borehamwood and A1/A41 from Mill Hill.

Ms Lyons and many other parents have raised concerns about pupils being late for exams and emergency services getting stuck.

She added: “Why are they not doing this phase in the summer holidays when disruption can be kept to a minimum? We weren’t even notified about this happening.”

Some of the traffic on the A1 and A41 approaching Apex Corner this week. Credit: Transport for London
 

One lane is closed on the A41 from Mill Hill Circus to Apex Corner

TfL, Barnet Council, councillors, and even an MP have received numerous complaints about the traffic and what some claim as a lack of workers on-site getting work done.

One lane closed on the A41 from Stanmore to Apex Corner

Some residents also say they have been "cut off" since Pike Road, which hundreds use to get to Apex Corner, was shut to store maintenance vehicles. The only exit now is the A1 towards Borehamwood, with drivers then having to sit in standstill traffic from Borehamwood to Apex Corner.

To avoid this, some are ignoring a no-right turn onto the A1, illegally dashing across three lanes of live traffic to reach Apex Corner.

Pike Road, which is shut at the moment

Tina Tailor, who lives in The Fairway, said: “Access is a major issue and what is very worrying is people are driving the wrong way and on pavements. It’s only a matter of time before there’s an accident.

“We want TfL to have a proper consultation with us, open Pike Road as a priority, and start looking at the lane closures because they don’t need to be as excessive as they are now.”

Frustrated residents standing in front of Pike Road, which they want opened as a priority

Barry Laks, who lives in Ellesmere Avenue, added: “You can see the knock-on effect, there’s traffic for three, four miles around.”

Hendon MP Matthew Offord says almost his entire constituency is gridlocked and described the roadworks as a “disaster”. He says he has written to TfL’s commissioner calling for changes.

Barnet Council says it is aware of the issues and that its officers have been on site with TfL working to “resolve the issue as quickly as possible”.

TfL has confirmed to the Barnet Times it is looking into the possibility of reopening Pike Road. 

Apex Corner roundabout, which despite the disruption, has been mostly clear

Nick Fairholme, TfL's director of projects and programmes, said: "This essential maintenance work is vital to ensuring that the road network and infrastructure here can continue to operate safely for years to come.

"Our construction teams are working hard to ensure work is completed as quickly as possible. All temporary changes to roads have been designed to support the rapid completion of this work and we are looking at whether we can make changes on Pike Road to make travel easier.

"We’re sorry for any disruption that this work has caused to people in the area and are working to complete this on schedule later this summer."

For more information about the roadworks, visit TfL's website