Cycle Superhighway contractors recalled after heavy rain reveals drainage problems

Transport bosses have sought to allay concerns that public money was being wasted after eagle-eyed social media users spotted that a section of the new North-South Cycle Superhighway was already being dug up.

Pictures of the work were posted on social media sites including Twitter by users who questioned why the new road surface was already being replaced, labelling the work a “waste of money”.

What?? Finished section of Super Cycle Highway on Blackfriars Rd @se1 now being dug up??? Waste of money? pic.twitter.com/IpIfZxoyeg

— Charlotte (@cmdhindle) January 5, 2016

However Transport for London says work to a 10-metre section of the route on Blackfriars Road was actually carried out “at no additional cost” by contractors who were called back after “engineers noticed pools of water following recent heavy rain.”

Nick Fairholme, TfL’s Director of Projects and Programmes, said: “This was an isolated drainage problem and has been corrected by the contractors at no additional cost to TfL.

“The section from Elephant & Castle up to Meymott Street is due to open ahead of schedule later this week.”