A consultation on which roads could be included in the Olympic Route Network (ORN) was launched last week. London will use a network of existing roads to link all competition and key non-competition venues to create the ORN.
There are no plans to entirely close any roads during the games, but in certain cases, lanes could be set aside exclusively for Olympic and Paralympic traffic. The ORN aims to ensure that 55,000 athletes, officials, media and sponsors can move ‘safely, quickly and reliably between the competition venues, their accommodation and other key locations’.
Permanent improved traffic signalling, new traffic signals, new CCTV, and junction upgrades are also part of plans to leave London with a ‘positive transport legacy.’ The network will include roads leading to the main stadium and park in Stratford and surrounding venues, including Greenwich Park and Horse Guards Parade.
Transport minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, said: ‘While London transport will look a little different, we are determined that the final Olympic Route Network will work for the games and for Londoners, as well as leaving a positive transport legacy in its wake.’
The consultation is the first step in this process to enable councils and utility companies to plan an efficient schedule of works.
After the ORN is designated in summer 2009, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) will have powers to approve or reject works on the network. The ODA will also be given the legal authority to implement traffic regulation orders to manage the ORN. Concerns were raised at a London Councils meeting last week over the role of local authorities in assisting with the enforcement of the ODA’s temporary powers. The consultation will end on 19 March 2009.
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