Key Points:
- Multiple road closures to begin in Hackney from January 2026, with some lasting up to 18 months.
- Maintenance and urban realm improvement works to be carried out by Hackney Council and Transport for London (TfL).
- Temporary overnight closures on the A12 East Cross Route and Westbound Interchange scheduled early January.
- Major projects include resurfacing, drainage upgrades, and pedestrian improvement works across central Hackney.
- Local businesses and residents voice concerns about prolonged disruptions and traffic diversions.
- TfL advises motorists to plan alternative routes and expect delays, especially around Hackney Wick and Homerton.
- Several 2025 closures remain ongoing until mid-2026 due to extended works.
Drivers across Hackney are bracing for long-term travel delays as a series of road and infrastructure upgrades begin in January 2026, with the longest closures projected to last up to 18 months. The work, aimed at improving roads and public spaces across the east London borough, forms part of Transport for London’s (TfL) and Hackney Council’s broader maintenance and regeneration programme.
What roads in Hackney will be affected by January 2026 closures?
As reported by Thomas Kingsley of MyLondon, major works will begin on several key routes in Hackney, including sections near Hackney Wick, Mare Street, and the A12 corridor. Drivers should expect phased closures beginning Monday, January 5, 2026, starting with overnight works on the East Cross Route near the Blackwall Tunnel, running from 10pm to 5am.
Further temporary overnight closures will occur between January 13–14 and January 22–23, as Transport for London carries out routine maintenance and resurfacing works.
The A12 Westbound Interchange will also be shut from 10pm on Friday, January 9 until 5am on Saturday, January 19, impacting routes leading into Hackney Wick and Bow.
A spokesperson for TfL, cited by MyLondon, said:
“These essential works will help maintain the safety and reliability of some of east London’s busiest arterial roads. While we understand this will cause short-term disruption, the improvements will bring longer-term benefits to road users and local communities.”
Why are the closures in place for so long?
According to Hackney Council’s official statement published on its website, the borough-wide maintenance programme involves major resurfacing, new drainage networks, and urban realm enhancements to promote sustainable travel and improve public safety.
A Hackney Council spokesperson told Hackney Gazette:
“We’re investing in long-term improvements to make Hackney’s streets safer, greener, and more accessible. Some of these projects, including drainage and paving schemes in central Hackney, require extensive underground work that can take up to 18 months to complete.”
Works will also include replacing worn-out pavements, installing new pedestrian crossings, and expanding cycle lanes as part of Hackney’s Climate Action Plan and Low Traffic Neighbourhood commitments.
How will these closures affect drivers and local businesses?
Residents and motorists have expressed concerns about the prolonged disruption. As reported by Ruby Gregory of The Evening Standard, several small business owners around Mare Street and Hackney Central worry that restricted access could hurt trade, particularly during the first quarter of the year.
One shopkeeper, quoted by The Standard, said:
“Each time roadworks happen here, we lose passing trade. Eighteen months feels extreme, especially when other works from last year are still ongoing.”
Hackney Council has pledged to maintain foot access for pedestrians and ensure that local businesses receive advance notice of any changes to parking and delivery bays.
Meanwhile, TfL has advised drivers to plan ahead and use alternative routes during closure periods, urging commuters to check the TfL Journey Planner or follow @TfLTrafficNews for real-time updates.
What major projects are part of Hackney’s 2026 works plan?
According to Hackney Today, the council’s official publication, the January works mark the beginning of several major urban projects planned for completion by mid-2027. These include:
- Hackney Central Public Realm Improvement Scheme: improving pedestrian access and landscaping on Mare Street and Amhurst Road.
- Homerton High Street Drainage Upgrade: modernising old drainage systems to prevent surface flooding.
- Hackney Wick Connectivity Project: enhancing cycle lanes linking Wick Road to Victoria Park.
- Clapton Common Revitalisation Works: upgrading pavements, benches, and street lighting.
A Hackney Today engineering update notes that the closures are coordinated across departments to “minimise overlap and maximise efficiency,” though delays are still “unavoidable given the scale of the upgrades.”
How will public transport be affected?
As highlighted by BBC London Transport Correspondent Tom Edwards, the road closures will likely affect bus routes 30, 55, 106, 242, and 276, all of which serve parts of central Hackney. TfL has confirmed that temporary diversions and relocated bus stops will be in effect during key phases of construction.
A TfL spokesperson, quoted by BBC News London, said:
“We are working closely with Hackney Council to mitigate impacts on bus passengers and emergency vehicles. Where possible, works will be sequenced during off-peak hours or overnight to minimise disruption.”
Cyclists are being encouraged to use designated cycle diversion routes via Well Street and Queensbridge Road, which will remain accessible throughout the project period.
What do residents think about the changes?
Community sentiment appears mixed. Coverage by East London Advertiser journalist Emma Bartholomew revealed that while some residents welcome the long-term improvements, others remain sceptical about timelines and consultation transparency.
Local resident James Hollins, interviewed by the publication, stated:
“We support safer roads and better drainage, but there needs to be clearer communication. Too often roads are closed with short notice, leaving drivers and delivery people confused.”
Hackney Council reassured residents that regular updates will be published through the Hackney Works website, local newsletters, and social media channels. They also promised quarterly progress reviews to address “on-the-ground experiences.”
When will all the works be completed?
As per Hackney Council’s official project timeline shared with MyLondon, the major phase of works will continue through mid-2027, though smaller projects like A12 resurfacing and Hackney Wick junction improvements are expected to finish by summer 2026.
The council also confirmed that several road closures initiated in 2025, such as those near Shoreditch High Street and Dalston Lane, will continue until July 2026 due to unforeseen engineering challenges and material delays.
What should motorists do next?
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, use public transport when possible, and follow TfL’s travel alerts for real-time changes. TfL’s online portal and Condition of Roads Report will provide weekly updates detailing closures, diversions, and reopened routes.
For detailed maps of current and upcoming closures, visit the Hackney Council’s Roads and Travel page or the TfL Roadworks Map at tfl.gov.uk/traffic/status.
