Citisense has supported the London Borough of Newham in the design and delivery of the borough’s first diagonal parallel crossing, creating a safer and more direct route for pedestrians and cyclists across Water Lane.

The crossing forms part of the Water Lane Active Travel Scheme at the junction of Water Lane, Manbey Grove and Louise Road. Located between the Manbey and Atherton Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, it is a busy and constrained junction on an important east-west walking and cycling corridor connecting Maryland Station, central Stratford and local schools

Previously, pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Manbey Grove and Louise Road had no direct crossing point across Water Lane. The physical layout of the junction also meant that a conventional straight parallel crossing was not suitable

Working with Newham Council, Citisense developed an alternative diagonal design, using movement and conflict data to ensure the crossing reflected how pedestrians and cyclists were actually using the junction.

A detailed evidence programme included junction turning counts, automatic traffic counts, pedestrian and cycle crossing surveys and a seven-day conflict analysis. The data confirmed Manbey Grove to Louise Road as the principal east-west desire line, with up to 882 pedestrians and 96 cyclists using the route each day.

Technical analysis, data visualisation and iterative CAD design were then used to develop a solution that responded to both these movement patterns and the physical constraints of the site.

The completed scheme provides a direct diagonal parallel crossing between Manbey Grove and Louise Road. Wider improvements include additional pedestrian space, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) rain gardens and tree planting, together with measures to reduce vehicle speeds and improve visibility.

Modal filters at Manbey Grove and Louise Road have removed through motor traffic across Water Lane while maintaining necessary local access. A subtle bend in the cycle-track approach also encourages cyclists to reduce speed as they enter the crossing.

Citisense provided continuous monitoring throughout construction, using high-definition cameras to record key stages from excavation and paving through to SuDS installation and final road markings.

Daniel Hanshaw, Co-Founder and Commercial Director at Citisense, said:“The Water Lane scheme shows how evidence-led design can solve a difficult transport challenge. We worked closely with Newham to understand how people were actually moving through the area and developed a solution around those needs. Newham’s first diagonal parallel crossing demonstrates what can be achieved when good data, innovative design and collaborative delivery come together. Most importantly, it creates a safer and more intuitive route for people walking and cycling through this part of the borough.”

The Water Lane scheme provides a practical example for councils facing similar challenges: using evidence about how people move through a place to develop solutions that respond to local conditions rather than relying on a standard design approach.

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