Exciting changes are coming to Dagenham Heathway! A comprehensive three-month transformation project is officially underway, aimed at making the bustling high street safer, cleaner, and much more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund and delivered by Be First on behalf of the Barking & Dagenham Council, the major regeneration scheme follows extensive consultations with local residents and businesses.
Here is everything you need to know about what’s changing, how it affects your travel, and the four-phase timeline for the works.
What Improvements Are Coming?
The project is designed to tackle long-standing community concerns regarding pedestrian safety and the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure. Key upgrades include:
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Dedicated Cycle Tracks: Brand new, segregated cycle lanes will be built on both sides of the road to encourage greener travel.
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Pedestrian-Friendly Pavements: Walkways will be widened and cleared of clutter to improve accessibility.
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Enhanced Safety: A new, shorter pedestrian crossing point is being installed to make crossing the busy road safer.
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Bright & Green Spaces: Modern street lighting will be installed alongside vibrant new planters to boost the area’s aesthetic appeal.
The 4-Phase Roadmap & Timeline
To minimise disruption, the project has been broken down into four distinct phases spanning from June 1 to the end of August.
🛑 Traffic Restrictions Notice
During all four phases, traffic on Heathway will be restricted to northbound travel only. Clearly signed diversions will be in place throughout the duration of the works.
| Phase | Dates | Location & Scope |
| Phase 1 | June 1 – July 10 | Western Pavement: Reede Road to the crossing outside the station. |
| Phase 2 | June 1 – July 10 | Western Pavement: Station crossing to Church Elm Lane. |
| Phase 3 | July 13 – Aug 21 | Eastern Pavement: Hedgemans Road to the station crossing. |
| Phase 4 | July 13 – Aug 21 | Eastern Pavement: Station crossing to Parsloes Avenue. |
Critical Full Road Closures (August)
In addition to the one-way restrictions, Dagenham Heathway will undergo two full weekend closures to allow contractors to safely carry out vital road resurfacing. During these weekends, no traffic will be permitted between the two main junctions:
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Weekend 1: Saturday, August 15 – Sunday, August 16 (2 days)
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Weekend 2: Saturday, August 22 – Sunday, August 23 (2 days)
Advance warning signs have been deployed across the borough to help drivers plan alternative routes ahead of time.
Keeping Disruption to a Minimum
In a letter sent to local residents, Saleem Patel, Delivery Planning Manager at Be First, reassured the community that contractors will “make every effort to minimise disruption” while these transformative works take place.
While the short-term roadworks may cause some delays, the long-term result will be a safer, greener, and more vibrant high street for everyone in Dagenham.
For further updates on highway works, local diversions, or community initiatives, visit the official Barking & Dagenham Council website. Or see https://www.myheathway.com/