Sydenham Hill traffic..???

umix · Post by **umix** » 2 Jun 2009 22:28

Hello there,
I'm looking at moving house and my morning journey will involve traveling the length of Sydenham Hill (towards the Horniman) at about 8.30 - 8.45am.

I tried a test run this morning and the traffic was terrible, a reall snail trail. However, as there are some kind of works going on, I don't think I have a true picture.

Was wondering if anyone who travels this way, at the same time of day, might be able to tell me if it's always slow moving??

many thanks

Rebelmc · Post by **Rebelmc** » 3 Jun 2009 00:39

umix wrote:Hello there,
I'm looking at moving house and my morning journey will involve traveling the length of Sydenham Hill (towards the Horniman) at about 8.30 - 8.45am.

I tried a test run this morning and the traffic was terrible, a reall snail trail. However, as there are some kind of works going on, I don't think I have a true picture.

Was wondering if anyone who travels this way, at the same time of day, might be able to tell me if it's always slow moving??

many thanks

Only when there's temp traffic lights in place.

I don't know how long they're going to be there for, but it's not going to be forever.

Under normal circumstances, there might be a bit of a tailback at the roundabout at the junction of Kirkdale/Sydenham Hill/Eliot Bank, but it usually moves quite smoothly.

You haven't said what your final destination is, but it's quite probable that there are worse jams to be wary of.

Wing · Post by **Wing** » 3 Jun 2009 08:03

They are digging up a stretch of the road by the Sydenham Hill Woods. This is only temporary and traffic should be back to normal on completion of the works. Int the meantime, with temprary taffic lights in place, you will face queues especially during morning school run hours.

Eagle · Post by **Eagle** » 3 Jun 2009 11:51

You can walk it in 10 to 15 mins no problem

umix · Post by **umix** » 3 Jun 2009 19:52

Thank you for your replys, it's very reasuring to know that it's not too bad without the roadworks.

My final destination is Lewisham but with a drop off at Honor Oak. I'm familiar with the second part of the journey but was just a bit freaked out by the traffic on Sydenham Hill as I'm not the best in the morning!

so thanks again

simon · Post by **simon** » 3 Jun 2009 19:58

Where are you thinking of moving to? You may well better of with the Mayo/ Cranston Rd route to Honour Oak.

umix · Post by **umix** » 3 Jun 2009 21:17

thanks Simon,

near Longton Grove. I've just had a look on the map and think its either sydenham hill or kirkdale, which I'm guessing is busier.

Wing · Post by **Wing** » 3 Jun 2009 21:30

The good news: The works at the stretch I mentioned earlier are almost finished and the temporary lights had been removed.

The bad news: Digging has now started at the Sydenham Hill /Sydenham Rise junction. You will expect queues from Kirkdale, Sydenham Rise and Sydenham Hill at peak hours.

Marion Wood · Post by **Marion Wood** » 3 Jun 2009 23:07

Umix - You need to allow extra time during morning school run peak time for the part of your journey from Sydenham Hill to Honor Oak.

Wing is right. The cause of the “snail trail” is now the3-way traffic light system (Kirkdale, Sydenham Hill, and Sydenham Rise) installed to create a safe environment for the workmen who are replacing the damaged Victorian gas pipes on Sydenham Rise.

To avoid the delay, try this diversion:
Opposite the Dulwich Wood House, turn left off Sydenham Hill into Wells Park Road. Drive down Wells Park Road to junction with Kirkdale. Turn left into Kirkdale, then right into Dartmouth Road. Follow Dartmouth Road to junction with London Road. Turn left into London Road. Drive up London Road then turn right at traffic lights into Honor Oak Road.

solstice · Post by **solstice** » 5 Jun 2009 19:02

Its not going to get any better, I saw a road works information board in Lawrie Park rd, from monday for about four weeks Westwood Hill, Cobbs corner, is going to be closed. The 176 and 197 will be on diversion, late and curtailed. Abandon hope all ye who hope to get to or from Penge!

paultreacy · Post by **paultreacy** » 9 Jun 2009 12:35

If more people would walk to school, things would improve enormously. It makes no sense to me that some many should drive to school when they live but a mile or less from school.

I walk with my youngsters everyday, in all weathers and it's great. The exercise is so uplifting. My lungs have expanded enormously and stress levels have shrunken to zilch. As for the two boys, it keeps them strong, fast and in good spirits. And the conversation is hilarious.

Walk your kids to school, people. It'll help everything move more efficiently. Most particularly, your own internal systems. There are no excuses. We can get to The Peak from the Crystal Palace Park Road end of Lawrie Park Road, in 12 minutes and my lads are only 4 and 7. That's .8 of a mile.

I'm not boasting here. Certainly that's not my intention. I'm simply exasperated at how many youngsters are driven to school daily. And many live much closer than we do. The school run is the biggest cause of congestion and it's entirely unnecessary. It's the easy option.

Marion Wood · Post by **Marion Wood** » 9 Jun 2009 21:52

I agree Paul that walking to school is a good idea but this is not a practical option in this instance. Umix has to get to Honor Oak then onto Lewisham.

Marion Wood · Post by **Marion Wood** » 21 Jun 2009 07:42

Umix - The gas pipe work in Sydenham Rise is now finished so you might like to give that route to Honor Oak another go next week.

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