Oxford Street will become traffic-free between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street on 26 October 2026, with further access changes and safety works taking place over the coming weeks.
Ahead of the change, permanent vehicle access closures will take effect at 10pm on 19 October. Vehicles will no longer be able to enter Oxford Street from James Street or Binney Street, or turn from Oxford Street into Gilbert Street.
Vehicles will be able to leave James Street via Barrett Street. Gilbert Street will operate two-way between Oxford Street and Brook Street, while Binney Street will operate two-way between Oxford Street and Weighhouse Street.
Safety bollards will be installed at all three streets’ junctions with Oxford Street, with additional bollards on James Street just south of Barrett Street.
Bus routes return as junction works progress
Most of the works at Oxford Street’s junction with Great Portland Street have now been completed, allowing the previously closed section of Oxford Street to reopen.
Bus routes 55, 73, 98 and 390, along with night services N8, N25, N55, N73, N98 and N207, have returned to their eastbound routes and stops on Oxford Street.
Remaining works are expected to continue until 16 October. During this period, vehicles cannot turn right from Oxford Street into Great Portland Street. Great Portland Street remains northbound only for vehicles and cycles between Great Castle Street and Oxford Street.
Temporary access changes during bollard installation
Safety bollard installation is continuing across nearby streets, with temporary changes to pedestrian and vehicle access:
Bollard installation will generally take place between 8am and 5pm. Any night works will be carried out between 10pm and 5am.
Further preparations planned
Dates are still being finalised for new bus stands and the removal of a taxi bay on Great Portland Street, between Great Castle Street and Market Place.
Road markings and traffic signals will also be changed at the Wigmore Street, Portman Square and Orchard Street junction to allow vehicles to turn right from Orchard Street into Wigmore Street. Temporary public realm measures are planned along Oxford Street.
Completed improvements include an extended taxi bay and an additional disabled parking bay on Duke Street, although further markings are required for the disabled bay, and kerb alterations at Great Castle Street East and Regent Street.
Businesses and visitors are encouraged to take account of the temporary access changes when planning journeys. Further updates will follow as works progress.
