Sidcup and Erith travel alerts as major water works begin
Bexley residents face significant travel disruptions as the council confirms a series of road closures and parking restrictions starting May 22. These works, primarily for water main replacements and highway improvements, will affect key routes in Sidcup, Welling, and Erith throughout the summer.
Major traffic restrictions in Sidcup and Welling
Several residential streets in Sidcup will see closures to facilitate highway improvements. Starting May 26, Burnt Oak Lane will be closed from outside number 155 to the junction with Halfway Street for approximately three days. During this period, Welbeck Avenue and Hill Crest Avenue will also be inaccessible at their junctions with Burnt Oak Lane.
In Welling, a directional road closure will be implemented at the junction of Welling Way and Bellegrove Road starting May 22. This work is expected to last 18 days. Diversion routes will be signposted via Shooters Hill and Rochester Way.
| Location | Start Date | Expected Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Welling Way, Welling | 22 May 2026 | 18 Days |
| The Grove, Sidcup | 26 May 2026 | 147 Days |
| Burnt Oak Lane, Sidcup | 26 May 2026 | 3 Days |
| Frinsted Road, Erith | 1 June 2026 | 18 Months |
Long-term water main replacements in Erith
Thames Water is initiating several large-scale projects across the borough. The Grove in Sidcup will be closed for its entire length from the High Beeches junction starting May 26. While the legal order remains valid for 18 months, contractors expect to finish the physical work within 147 days. Access will be maintained for residents and emergency vehicles throughout.
In Erith, Frinsted Road will undergo phased closures between Beechfield Road and Birling Road starting June 1. This project is significantly larger, with an estimated duration of 18 months to complete the installation of a new water main. Residents on Royal Road and Maylands Drive in Sidcup will also see 124 days of parking and loading restrictions starting June 1 to support similar infrastructure upgrades. You can find more details in the Sidcup road closures report regarding borough-wide parking changes.
New development plans for Sidcup and Erith
Beyond the roads, several new development proposals are now open for public comment. At the Horse And Groom Public House on Main Road, Sidcup, plans have been submitted for two new pergolas, external lighting, and a new accessible ramp.
In Erith, a major development application at 106 Bexley Road seeks to vary conditions for a 16-apartment complex. This includes internal and external alterations to the previously approved plans. Residents can also review planning updates for Slade Green and Sidcup residents to see how these fit into broader local conservation strategies.
How to submit observations or enquiries
For all planning applications, including the proposed porch replacement at 5 Priestlands Park Road, residents have 21 days from May 20 to submit written representations to the Council’s Development Management team. Observations can be filed via the Planning Application Information Online system.
If you are affected by the traffic orders, enquiries can be directed to the relevant contractors. Thames Water can be reached at 0800 3169 800 for works on The Grove and Welling Way, while Galliford Try is the point of contact for the Frinsted Road project at 0744 0517 907. Highway improvement enquiries for Burnt Oak Lane should be directed to the Civic Offices at 020 3045 4545.
Source: London Borough of Bexley
