Brent Cross flyover cut to one lane each way as two-year TfL repairs begin

Drivers who use the Brent Cross Interchange face up to two years of disruption. Transport for London (TfL) starts major renewal works on the A41 Brent Cross flyover on the night of Wednesday 30 September.

To keep the route open during the works, the flyover will be reduced to one lane in each direction from that evening. TfL said there will also be a series of overnight and weekend lane closures, and some full road closures, during different stages of construction. Signed diversion routes will be in place where needed.

Because engineers will be working above it, the A406 North Circular Road under the flyover will also be closed at times. The first closure is on the westbound North Circular after the Brent Cross exit slip road, from 10pm on Wednesday until 5am the next morning.

Delays expected on surrounding roads

TfL has warned drivers to expect longer journeys on the A41 and nearby roads, including parts of the A406 North Circular, the A5 Edgware Road and the A1. More than 120,000 vehicles use the wider Brent Cross Interchange every day. It is one of the busiest junctions in London and links the M1, the A41 and the North Circular.

Buses will keep running through the area, but local routes are likely to be held up by queues and the reduced number of lanes. TfL said it will use measures such as changes to traffic signal timings and targeted travel advice to reduce disruption. It also said it will keep working with bus operators, freight firms, taxi and private hire drivers, local boroughs and community groups throughout the project.

Tube and rail services to Brent Cross, Hendon, Colindale and Golders Green are not affected by the roadworks, so public transport may be quicker for many trips. Drivers are advised to check TfL's road status updates before setting off and to allow extra time.

Why the work is needed

The flyover carries the A41 Hendon Way over the North Circular and was built in the mid-1960s. Its condition has worsened over time, and since October 2022 it has had a 7.5 tonne weight limit as a safety measure, which keeps heavy goods vehicles off it.

The Department for Transport has given £10.8 million for the scheme. TfL said the work will strengthen the structure so the weight limit can be removed, replace the safety barriers on the flyover and its approach ramps, and install a new waterproofing system to extend the life of the structure.

TfL said the work should keep the flyover safe and reliable for decades and reduce the risk of sudden emergency closures in the future. The Brent Cross footbridge is also closed for repairs.

Christmas pause and what comes next

TfL has confirmed that the works will pause between late November and early January so shoppers and businesses can still get to Brent Cross Shopping Centre over the festive season. Signs near the junction warn drivers to expect delays until autumn 2028.

The flyover is the first phase of a longer TfL programme to repair and strengthen the whole Brent Cross Interchange. Later phases are expected to include work on the mid-level roundabout and the A406 slip roads.