Why we’re doing the work
The Westway is a key strategic route and one of the busiest on TfL’s road network. It’s normally used by around 96,000 vehicles a day.
The roughly 21 bridge structures which support the carriageway and slip roads along that section of the A40 were built between 1969 and 1970 using reinforced concrete.
Major maintenance work will keep the A40 Westway and surrounding road network running safely and reliably in the future.
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A40 Westway route – section plan
What we’re doing
Our contractor Costain was appointed in 2020 to develop the designs and construction plans for the Westway project.
Given the scale of the structure, and that some sections are a higher priority than others, we’ve been doing the work in phases:
- Phase 1 – replace the operationally critical roller shutter expansion joint (completed summer 2022)
- Phase 2 – replace 10 tooth/comb joints, protect parapets at high risk locations and make targeted resurfacing and concrete repairs. The concept design should be complete in spring 2023, with the detailed design and construction work plans ready in late 2023
Phase 2:
Now that Phase 1 is complete, focus shifts to Phase 2.
The 10 metal (tooth-comb) joints we plan to replace are mainly large expansion joints spanning the air gaps between the concrete bridge structures supporting the A40 Westway between Wood Lane Flyover to the west and Marylebone Flyover to the East. These joints allow the bridges to safely expand and move under all weather conditions and traffic loading.
The concept design for these joints is being reviewed. The detailed design should be complete by late 2023, with construction starting on site in 2024 if we get the funding and access needed to finish the work.
During the works we will:
- Replace 10 tooth/comb expansion joints along the A40 Westway and at Marylebone flyover
- Resurface and waterproof the carriageway where expansion joints are replaced
- Replace the metal work on inspection access hatches in the carriageway
- Target repairs to the Westway drainage
- Target concrete repairs in areas under the Westway
Lane restrictions and some partial closures of the A40 at night and on some weekends will be needed to help us do the work safely and efficiently.
Check back here for details of proposed closures/restrictions and diversion routes.
Speed limit restriction
The speed limit was reduced in July 2020 from 40mph to 30mph along the entire stretch of the Westway between the A40 Northern roundabout to the west and Marylebone flyover to the east.
Slowing the speed helps protect and extend the life of the ageing expansion joints in the road until they can be replaced. This makes it less likely we’ll have to close parts of the Westway for unplanned works.
What we’ve done
2022
We completed installing the new roller shutter expansion joint across the full width of the eastbound carriageway of the A40 Westway in March 2022 and the westbound carriageway in June 2022 and reopened all three lanes to traffic.
We completed associated works underneath the joint between July 2022 and January 2023. We also investigated the existing drainage of the A40 Westway.
We assessed the integrity of the safety barriers along the Westway to protect parapets at high risk places (for example, over live railways). The assessments confirmed the current arrangement is satisfactory and no other work is needed on those elements.
2021
We completed concept and detailed design for Phase 1, including liaison with stakeholders to establish acceptable methods for traffic management and construction to carry out the work in most efficient and safe way.
2020
We appointed Costain to move ahead with the next stage of this project after a competitive tender and selection process between March and June 2020.
Costain started design and planning work in July 2020 for a scheme to replace the major expansion joints, including one roller shutter and 10 tooth/comb joints along the Westway and Marylebone flyover, and to develop the proposals for the other high priority concrete repair, surfacing and safety barriers work where needed along the Westway.
2018-2019
After our March 2018 report on the investigations and options for maintaining and refurbishing the Westway and Marylebone flyover structures, a decision was made to go ahead with the project. Financial constraints at the time meant this was put on hold, but in December 2019 we decided to move forward with design and construction plans for the project.
2015-2017
Between 2015 and 2017 we inspected and surveyed all residential and business premises beneath the Westway to help us understand its condition.
We also surveyed different parts of the Westway elevated structures and Marylebone flyover, including the drainage, waterproofing, expansion joints, surfacing, structural concrete and parapets.
We investigated the road surface on the Westway and Marylebone flyover by digging trial holes, taking core samples and surveying the drainage system.
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