Major traffic route used by 100k motorists a day to shut for one month causing road chaos

The essential safety-critical renewal work will take place between the A40 Westway Roundabout and the Marylebone flyover, with diversions being prepared to ensure drivers are aware of the closures.

Around 96,000 vehicles use the route every day, with it being one of the busiest strategic routes on TfL's road network.

TfL explained that the closure had been planned for March and Easter to coincide with Easter, when not as many people will be routinely disrupted.

They have also been scheduled to minimise disruption with other major roadworks as much as possible.

The next phase of work on the Marylebone Flyover A40 Westway will involve workers replacing two key joints.

Experts hope this will allow the flyover to safely expand and contract when temperature changes occur and vehicles move.

Transport for London described it as a "complex" operation, with specialists working on the repair, prompting the full carriageway closure.

A number of options were initially suggested to avoid closing the carriageway, but these were rejected in favour of completing the essential work in the safest way possible.

Staurt Harvey, chief capital officer at TfL, said: "The A40 is a key artery in west London and it’s vital that we ensure it is well maintained for the tens of thousands of people who use it each day.

"This essential work will allow the flyover to continue to be used safely for decades to come.

"I'd like to thank people in the area for their patience during these works and would encourage everyone to plan ahead for any journeys in the area, using alternative modes of transport where possible."

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead before travelling using the route to minimise any disruptions or delays to their journeys.

TfL has advised motorists to use its website to keep on top of the latest status updates to the strategic road network around London, closer to when the roadworks are taking place.

Once the work is completed, every weekend until July 6, the A40 will be closed to westbound traffic at the Westway roundabout. This will not include Bank Holiday weekends.

Guidance has been set out for motorists who are travelling between the M25 and central London via the A40, with these people being advised to use the M4 and A4 instead.

Motorists are encouraged to use the A312 Parkway or A406 North Circular Road to connect to the M4 and A4 to central London, when travelling between outer and central London.

Similarly, if journeys can be taken via alternative methods of transport, including the Tube, rail or bus, this could also ease congestion.

Impacted buses include the 6, 13, 16, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 49, 52, 70, 72, 74, 94, 95, 98, 113, 139, 148, 189, 205, 207/N207, 220, 260, 272, 274, 295, 316, 452, E3, C1, and SL8.