Old Street roundabout and station
The transformation of Old Street has been a major and complex project. We've made changes to road infrastructure, added new cycle lanes, and improved the public space in and around Old Street Tube station. We've also created new sustainable green areas locally to improve biodiversity.
What has changed
This timelapse video shows how the area has changed over the past 5 years:
We have:
- Changed the road layout at Old Street from an outdated 1960s roundabout; closed the northwest arm of Old Street completely to traffic and created fully segregated cycle lanes to provide safer routes and space for cycling
- Installed 4 new signalised pedestrian crossings, making it easier and safer for people to access Old Street station
- Created a new main station entrance and a second new entrance at Cowper Street
- Transformed the public space in and around the station with new seating, benches, and tables. This complements the architecture and style of the Promenade of Light along Old Street, offering more space to walk and meet
- Made the area greener and increased biodiversity
As part of this work, we installed:
- 2 new rain gardens and a large green roof with wildflowers at the new station entrance
- Around 4,000 square metres of sustainable drainage to help manage rainfall and prevent flooding at the station entrance
- New cycle racks, York stone and granite paving, contrasting cladding, and hi-tech advertising space to complete the new look in the public space
- A new customer lift inside Old Street station to the ticket office level and revamped St Agnes Well retail area with new units
Station access
Customers can get in and out of Old Street station directly via 2 new entrances - at Cowper Street and the main entrance on City Road.
There are 4 new signalised pedestrian crossings making it easier to access the station at street level from the north, south, east and west of Old Street.
The eastbound bus stop K on Old Street (east) remains temporarily closed while we resolve operational issues. We'll re-open the bus stop as soon as possible.
Two-way traffic
Old Street roundabout is running in its final configuration - the northwestern arm of the junction is permanently closed and traffic is flowing two-way.
Sustainability
We've taken major steps to improve biodiversity in and around Old Street and people's experience of the local environment by introducing:
- New trees and shrubs, 2 new raingarden areas, and a large green roof with wildflowers on top of the new station entrance.
- Almost 4,000 square metres of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) to help manage rainfall in a sustainable way and prevent flooding at the station entrance
The SuDS at Old Street are part of TfL's wider commitment to increase the greening and sustainability of projects and schemes across London. We're developing more than 5,000 square metres of SuDS across London each year. Find out more about our sustainable goals.
Consultation
We held a public consultation on the proposals for Old Street between November 2014 and January 2015.
Contact us
Phone: 0343 222 1234