A major London bus station is to close for six weeks for safety upgrades after a pensioner was killed by a double decker.
Walthamstow bus station – which is located opposite Walthamstow Central Tube and train station in Walthamstow town centre – will shut on November 8 until December 20.
Pedestrian Grace Mecaley, 74, was killed by a route 212 bus in December 2023 at the bus station. She died at the scene following the collision at around 5pm.
There has been growing concern at the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by London buses, and the way TfL has responded to the families of the bereaved or survivors.
Neil Garratt, leader of the City Hall Conservatives, asked Mayor Sadiq Khan for details about the fatality, and suggested it had been an “accident waiting to happen”.
The changes will involve adding two pedestrian crossings – with traffic lights – and the northern and western sides of the oval-shaped bus station.
Passengers board and alight from buses using a pedestrianised central “island”, which also includes an underground connection to the Tube and London Overground train station.
The changes will improve links to the high street, which hosts Walthamstow’s famous street market, and the town square and Mall indoor shopping area, which is being redeveloped with two giant residential towers nearby.
During the work, 19 different bus routes will be unable to use the station – including two Superloop routes, the SL1 and SL2.
Most will stop at bus stops nearby but some, such as routes 20 and 257, will terminate at Leyton Green, while route 58 will terminate at Markhouse corner.
The Tube station will remain open but the exit at the bus station and the lift will be closed. Passengers unable to use the stairs are advised to travel to Blackhorse Road station.
Rosie Trew, TfL's head of bus service delivery, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Grace Mecaley.
“Every death on the transport network is devastating and we’re determined to end the trauma caused by loss of life and injury on the transport network.
“These permanent works to further improve safety at Walthamstow bus station are vital to providing a safer environment for all.
“We will work to minimise disruption as much as possible and we'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while the work takes place.
“There will be temporary bus diversions and bus stop changes while the works are being completed. Customers will still be able to make all journeys with the temporary arrangements.”
The changes will also include road resurfacing, new lighting and CCTV, changes to the carriageway, road markings and signage, and the installation of a sustainable drainage system (suds).
Routes 34, 55, 69, 212, 215, 230, 275, SL1, SL2, W12, W15, W19, N26, N38, N73 will not stop in the bus station but will call at alternative stops nearby.
Temporary changes were made to the bus station in May in response to issues, including those raised by the Health and Safety Executive.
