Ward Councillor Unsa Chaudri and I met on site with residents and Hounslow Council traffic officers to discuss this project when first proposed in early 2019. Although some reservations were transmitted then, approval came via this Chief Officer Decision report in June 2020.
Grove Road and College Road junction November 2022
Slow forward to a couple of days before August Bank Holiday when, out of the blue, we received another shout that month long works are about to start on this long forgotten (by us) decision to reduce the junction width of Grove Road and College Road by almost two thirds from the current 24 metres to 8 metres.
Grove and College Roads junction proposal
The scheme involves pavement widening, creation of a kerb level speed reducing surface, removal of the traffic island and three “rain gardens” designed to capture drainage water and feed plants to be located there. This is being undertaken by Hounslow Highways who recently wrote to tell affected residents.
Traffic officers advise that the purpose of the scheme is to reduce junction approach speeds and improve road safety, elevating pedestrians so that they are more visible to oncoming traffic thus obviating the need for the current pedestrian refuge. This has been explained via this LBH Traffic Team letter and detailed design currently being delivered locally.
A Rain Garden in situ
Nearly all street works come with diversions and here is a map for this one. Hounslow Highways have been reminded of their responsibility to ensure that any temporary signs, including the diversion signs, are routinely checked.
The 2020 Chief Officer Decision included a sister proposal at the Ridgeway Road and College Road junction but is now on hold as there is no current funding available for this. However, councillors are informed this will be reviewed as part of any future potential traffic reduction measures over the wider area in Osterley and Spring Grove Ward.
TL 10.9.2023
Tony Louki's Report Back 
