Vauxhall Cross road junction preparing for pitch

Design work could be up for grabs at Vauxhall Cross, one of London’s busiest road and rail junctions, as a £12m scheme to redevelop the area is launched next month.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce traffic and make the intersection, home to the MI6 building, more accessible to public transport users and more pleasant for residents.

Work could include signage and street furniture projects, as well as work on a temporary bus station, which will be situated close to the rail stations.

Work will take place in three phases. Once phase 3 is completed in September 2003 many of the roads in and out of the junction will be realigned, while some will be closed to traffic.

The project is intended to improve links between the overland Vauxhall railway station, Tube station and buses; improve pedestrian crossings and smarten up cycle facilities, the local environment and lighting.

The scheme is backed by Transport for London, but has angered motoring organisations. Vauxhall Cross is one of the five most important junctions in London, according to the RAC.