In This Article

  • Dalston Lane closes for 6 weeks from 20 July 2026
  • Wider works around Hackney Downs Station run for up to 20 weeks
  • Sigdon Road School Street permanently extended to include Wayland Avenue
  • Wayland Avenue and Sigdon Road become two-way
  • Bus stops relocated to ease congestion near the station
  • Existing road closure moves from Marcon Place to Spurstowe Terrace
  • Two parking bays removed to improve visibility
  • New zebra crossing position and upgraded paving planned
  • Advice for families and drivers to plan routes before September

Hackney Downs Station Area Set for Major Changes

Hackney Council has begun a significant programme of works around Hackney Downs Station, aimed at making the surrounding streets safer, greener, and easier to get around. The works started on 20 July 2026 and are expected to last up to 20 weeks. For families with a school run to manage, and for private hire drivers who rely on consistent routes, the changes are worth noting well before term restarts in September.

Dalston Lane Closure: What to Expect

The most immediate change is on Dalston Lane itself. As part of the works, Dalston Lane will be closed for 6 weeks starting on 20 July. During this period, drivers who normally use Dalston Lane will need an alternative route, and this is likely to affect journey times for school transport, deliveries, and general traffic passing through Hackney Central.

School Street Extension on Sigdon Road

One of the key long-term changes is to the Sigdon Road School Street. The scheme is being extended to include Wayland Avenue, expanding the area where restrictions apply during school pick-up and drop-off times. School Streets limit motor traffic on roads directly outside schools at these key times, creating a safer environment for children walking, scooting, or cycling to class. 

For families and transport providers supporting children with SEND, this extension means an adjusted route may be needed around Sigdon Road and Wayland Avenue from the start of the new school year.

Other Traffic Changes in the Area

Alongside the school street extension and the Dalston Lane closure, several other changes are part of the same works programme:

  • The junction of Sigdon Road and Dalston Lane will be closed to traffic.
  • The existing road closure will move from Marcon Place to Spurstowe Terrace.
  • Wayland Avenue and Sigdon Road will become a two-way road.
  • Bus stops will be moved to improve access to the station and reduce congestion.
  • Two parking bays will be removed to improve visibility.
  • The existing zebra crossing on Dalston Lane will be relocated.

Together, these changes are designed to make the area around Hackney Downs Station safer and easier to navigate once complete, though they will mean a period of adjustment for anyone with a regular route through the area.

Wider Improvements to Public Space

Beyond the traffic changes, the works include planting new trees and plants and upgrading the paving around the station. These improvements sit within Hackney Council’s broader plan for Hackney Central, which includes changes to Amhurst Road, Pembury Circus, and Hackney Town Hall Square, all aimed at supporting a greener and more pedestrian-friendly town centre.

Planning Ahead for September

With the closure running through most of the summer and the School Street extension becoming permanent, now is the practical time to map out an alternative route. Families managing a daily school run, especially those coordinating transport for a child with SEND, will benefit from testing new routes over the summer rather than adjusting on the first day of term. Local drivers and school transport providers should also factor in the revised bus stop positions and the two-way arrangement on Wayland Avenue and Sigdon Road when planning journeys from September onwards.

Find more details here.

Let Jimac Cars Help with Your School Run

With roadworks and School Street changes reshaping journeys around Hackney Central, having a transport partner who knows the local area makes all the difference. Let Jimac Cars provide safe and reliable transport for families and young people with SEND needs, making every journey easier and stress-free.