Olympic Games road lane closures cause A13 delays

Luke Jacobs Monday, July 23, 2012
10:08 AM

Motorists on the A13 Newham Way were hit by two hour delays during rush-hour this morning as Olympic road restrictions came into effect for the first time.

Westbound queues went back past the Canning Town flyover with the worst between the flyover and the A1261 East India Dock Link Tunnel junction.

The inside lane on the approach to the A1261 was closed on Saturday in time for the Games.

At its height, the congestion affected people entering the A13 from the Ferry Lane interchange.

The changes have been put in place to ensure the new Olympic Route Network is ready to begin operation on Wednesday.

Leon Daniels, from Transport for London (TfL), said: “London’s transformation into a huge sporting and cultural venue continues, as does the impact on London’s roads.

“The changes put in place over the weekend to build the Olympic Route Network, combined with the arrival of 11,500 athletes, media and officials, an event for heads of state at Buckingham Palace and the Torch Relay continuing means London’s roads are exceptionally busy.

“Our advice to motorists is clear, journeys are likely to take considerably longer, avoid driving in central London, the ORN and Games venues.”