Brighter route under Balham rail bridge after lights upgrade

The bridge is the latest to benefit from Wandsworth Council’s £2m schedule of improvements to rail bridges and underpasses after the council listened to residents’ requests for changes.

As part of the council’s Decade of Renewal, the improvements have been paid for with funds the council collects and controls from property developers, at no cost to local taxpayers.

The rail underpass on Balham High Road was deep‑cleaned before better pigeon‑proofing was installed. Then the architectural lighting above the pavement was improved to highlight the distinctive green tiling on the walls and brighten the walkway.

The council had listened to local residents and businesses who said the underpass near the station was a dark and unpleasant place to walk and cycle through.

Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’re pressing ahead with a long-overdue programme to renew roads and pavements across the borough, and we’re acting when residents have told us things need improving. I’m pleased to see the difference the better lighting has made for pedestrians in Balham and we’re moving fast to tackle other bridge underpasses over the next few months.”

More improvements planned

Upgrades to lighting, pigeon-proofing, refreshed paintwork and deep-cleaning are also getting underway soon on:

• Battersea Park Road rail bridges, next to the station
• Swandon Way rail bridge, Wandsworth Town
• Bedford Hill pedestrian tunnels, Balham
• Tooting Bec Common rail bridges, at Cavendish Road and near the playground

Investment in local places

New lighting and artwork for Falcon Road rail bridge, in Clapham Junction, was unveiled in December following concerns from local residents about the dark and unwelcoming route through the town centre. Improvement works also included pigeon-proofing and more CCTV - all paid for with funding the council had collected from local property developers to improve the local area.

The bridges renewal programme is a key part of our ten-year plan to improve roads and pavements and create cleaner, safer and more attractive public spaces. These changes are helping to restore local pride in neighbourhoods and town centres and boost growth in the borough.

Have your say

People who live or work in Balham are encouraged to share feedback and ideas for future improvements via the Balham Forum at: https://balhamforum.commonplace.is