Lanes on Pettman Crescent, part of the crucial A206, are closed for bridge repairs with temporary traffic lights and diversions in place.

But many road users complained of huge delays on the first day of work yesterday (August 11) and took to social media to vent their anger.

Road users described “absolute gridlock” with “standstill” traffic and delays of up to 90 minutes.

Greenwich council says “we understand how frustrating the rush hour traffic issues were” and “have taken action to improve the situation”.

This includes extra signs for vehicles heading towards the area along Western Way. 

TfL is also adjusting traffic light timings across the area to improve traffic flow and advising bus drivers on how the works affect their routes.

Daily meetings with TfL have been set up to avoid “disruption like the situation experienced yesterday as much as possible”.

Royal Borough of Greenwich stressed that the works to repair bridge parapets on Pettman Crescent are “essential” to keep it safe.

The works will last from August 11 to September 5. 

The council says it scheduled the works to happen in the summer holidays to reduce impact.

A statement issued by Royal Borough of Greenwich reads: “We understand how frustrating the rush hour traffic issues were around Woolwich and Plumstead yesterday (Monday 11 August 2025). 

“We called a meeting with Transport for London (TfL) today and have taken action to improve the situation.

“We have installed additional signage for vehicles heading towards the area along Western Way. 

“TfL is also adjusting traffic light timings across the area to improve traffic flow and briefing bus drivers on how the works affect their routes. 

“We’ve also set up daily meetings with TfL to monitor the situation to minimise any future disruption like the situation experienced yesterday as much as possible.  

“The major maintenance works taking place are essential to keep Pettman Crescent bridge on the A206 in West Thamesmead, Plumstead and Glyndon safe to use and were scheduled between 11 August to 5 September – during the school summer holidays to reduce the impact as much as possible.

“The following bus routes are affected 53, N53, 96, 99, 177, 180, 422, 469, N1, 122, 244, 301 and 380. These works do not [affect] pedestrians.”