Drivers in north London have been warned of up to two years of disruption after major repair work gets underway on the A41 Brent Cross Flyover.
Transport for London explained that it will begin on the evening of September 24, with the flyover reduced to just one lane in each direction for the duration of the main works.
The busy interchange is used by more than 120,000 vehicles every day, meaning drivers are likely to face longer journeys and delays.
TfL has warned motorists to plan ahead and consider alternative routes while the work is carried out to help avoid disruptions.
The authority said there will also be full road and lane closures overnight and at weekends at different stages of the project.
Delays could spread beyond the A41, with the A406 North Circular Road, A5 Edgware Road and A1 also expected to be affected.
TfL said it will change traffic signals and take other measures to try to reduce congestion, although disruption is expected.
Construction will be paused from late November until early January to help keep access to Brent Cross Shopping Centre open during the busy Christmas period.
The £10.8million project follows reports that the flyover has deteriorated over time, with a 7.5-tonne weight restriction introduced in October 2022 as a safety measure.
Once the repairs are complete, TfL stated the restriction will be removed, and the flyover will return to its full load-bearing capacity.
The work will include strengthening the flyover, replacing safety barriers and installing new waterproofing to protect the structure for longer.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s chief capital officer, said: “The A41 Brent Cross Flyover is a vital piece of London’s road network, supporting tens of thousands of journeys every day.
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“These works are essential to ensure it remains safe and reliable for the millions of journeys that depend on it.”
TfL explained that keeping the flyover in good condition will also help keep heavy vehicles on major roads instead of forcing them onto residential streets.
The repairs are also being carried out as the wider Brent Cross and Staples Corner area undergoes major redevelopment.
Plans for the area include up to 8,900 new homes and 26,000 jobs being created in the process.
TfL said completing the work should reduce the risk of sudden emergency closures in the future.
The authority is facing continued pressure on its finances, despite increased investment in its road network. TfL’s average annual investment has risen to around £860million, compared with £432million in 2021.
However, TfL has warned that current funding is still not enough to deal with London’s growing backlog of ageing road structures.
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