Drivers travelling through east London are facing disruption today after Plaistow Road in Stratford was closed in both directions following an emergency services incident.
The closure affects a busy stretch of the A112, one of the main routes linking Stratford with Plaistow and the wider Newham area. Emergency services are at the scene and the road is expected to remain shut while they deal with the incident.
What we know so far
Here is what we know at this stage: Plaistow Road is closed in both directions between Stratford and Plaistow; emergency services are dealing with an incident at the scene; the closure was first reported at around 12.25pm on Wednesday; drivers are being asked to avoid the area; and no time has yet been confirmed for the road to reopen.
Where is the closure?
Plaistow Road forms part of the A112, which runs from the Blackwall Tunnel approach in the south, through Bow and Stratford, and on towards Leyton, Walthamstow and Chingford. The affected section sits between Stratford and Plaistow, and both carriageways are currently blocked to traffic.
The A112 is a major north-south artery for this part of the capital, carrying local traffic, buses and delivery vehicles through some of east London’s busiest neighbourhoods. Any closure along it tends to be felt quickly on the surrounding road network, particularly during the working day when traffic volumes are high.
Diversions and alternative routes
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and allow extra time for journeys. Drivers heading between Stratford and Plaistow should consider alternative routes while the closure remains in place, and bus services that normally use Plaistow Road are likely to be diverted or delayed, so passengers should check before they travel.
Public transport may offer a quicker alternative. Stratford is one of east London’s best-connected interchanges, served by the Jubilee and Central lines, the Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, the Elizabeth line and National Rail services, giving travellers several options for getting around the closure.
Drivers caught near the scene are asked to follow the directions of officers on the ground, to respect the closure signs and cordons, and never to attempt to drive through a shut road. Emergency crews need clear access to work safely, and ignoring a closure can put both the public and responders at risk.
What it means for your journey
The closure is expected to cause delays on surrounding roads as traffic looks for other ways through Stratford and Plaistow. Congestion is likely to build through the afternoon, particularly on roads feeding into the A112 and around the Stratford gyratory, with knock-on effects possible on nearby routes.
Anyone travelling to workplaces, shops or venues in the area, including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford City, should factor in extra time. Road closures linked to emergency incidents can remain in place for several hours, and with no reopening time yet confirmed, travellers should check live travel information before setting out and again before returning later in the day.
A developing story
Details of the incident remain limited at this stage. Emergency services routinely close roads to protect the public and give crews the space they need to work safely, and further information is expected as the situation develops. We will continue to follow this story throughout the day.
Our live blog above will be updated with the latest developments, including any statements from the emergency services and confirmation of when Plaistow Road reopens. If you are affected by the closure, you can also check live traffic and public transport updates before you travel.
It comes on a difficult day for the capital’s transport network, which has also seen severe delays on the Northern line after a fire on the tracks at Stockwell and an emergency alert at King’s Cross St Pancras. Elsewhere, M25 drivers have faced long delays following a crash at the Swanley Interchange.
