Malet-Montague-Russell Sq

Montague Place
The route should remain open for cyclists for the duration of the works, though there will be some diversions onto footways (using segregated zones) at times.

Russell Square South-West corner (until mid September)
Southbound cyclists will be able to travel from from Montague Place to Montague Street and onwards with no crossing of the traffic in Russell Square.

Northbound cyclists will be expected to use Bedford Place or dismount at the top of Montague Street and use the footway for a short distance.

The top of Malet street will be closed for about two weeks and cyclists will have to dismount. Obviously we hope that the work can be done quickly.

Here's a copy of the email from the Camden officer in charge.  He has been very good at keeping us informed but we will keep an eye on things and raise any issues that cyclists may have.

"I would like to give you an update on the works in Montague Place and Russell Square as well as let you know about the works that will start shortly on Malet Street.

Montague Place

The northern footway and the new carriageway are nearing completion and paving works on the south footway have started. At present, cyclists travelling along Montague Place can use the new carriageway between Malet Street and the British Museum delivery gate and the old cycle lane between the delivery gate and Russell Square. This old cycle lane will have to be closed mid August to construct the extended footway. Cyclists will either be able to used the new carriageway along the entire length of Montague Street or will be diverted on the northern footway where a lane will be created with barriers to segregate them from pedestrians, hence avoiding to dismount. This will depend on the construction of the raised table at the junction with Russell Square.

Russell Square

The works have reached the junction with Montague Street which is closed to general traffic but so far remains open to cyclists. However it has been decided to reconstruct the new carriageway on Russell Square between Montague Street and Montague Place so the following arrangements will be made for cyclists, see diagram in new window:

* Cyclists coming from Montague Place and wishing to travel south to Montague Street will continue to use the portion of carriageway left open along the western footway.

* Cyclists coming up from Montague Street and wishing to travel north around Russell Square or to access Montague Place will be asked to dismount and use the footway between Montague Street and Montague Place or dismount and use the existing pedestrian facility across Russell Square, east of Montague Street. Alternatively, cyclists could follow the diversion into Bedford Place.

* Cyclists travelling west on the southern arm of Russell Square and wishing to travel south will either have to follow the diversion on Bedford Place, dismount after Bedford Place and use the footway or go up to Montague Place and turn left to access Montague Street.

Malet Street

The works will start on Monday 8th August at the junction with Torrington Place with the removal of the island and reconstruction of the carriageway. The road will be closed and during this phase, it is not possible to keep the entrance opened to cyclists. We will ask cyclists to dismount and use the footway for about 30m. This should be for about 2 weeks.

After this phase, the road will remain closed for general traffic but opened to cyclists travelling both ways. Please be aware that to allow for deliveries to the different buildings along the street, the one way will be suspended and some vans will be entering Malet Street via Torrington Place. There may be areas where cyclists may be asked to dismount but we'll try to keep these times to a minimum."