London 2012: Roads in West Ham and Stratford shut for Olympic testing

Motorists in West Ham and Stratford were hit by delays during this morning’s rush-hour because of Games-time testing of routes near to the Olympic Park.

Manor Road has been closed to traffic at the junctions with Memorial Avenue and Corporation Street since 6am today to prepare for restrictions during the Olympics.

From July 27, one side of the road will be closed and it will be open to all northbound traffic only.

A Newham Council spokesman said this was to allow safe transport of visitors from West Ham station onto the Greenway path to the Games site.

This is because the pavements have been judged not wide enough to carry the amount of people expected to descend on the borough.

The current closures will be in place from 6am to 1am today and tomorrow.

In addition, Rick Roberts Way in Stratford is currently closed to all except residents and businesses, and will also remain so until 1am tomorrow before shutting again from 6am until 1am on Sunday.

Cars will be diverted onto Manor Road rather than to the north onto Stratford High Street.

There will also be restricted access on Warton Road in Stratford between Biggerstaff Road and the Olympic Park.

Games organisers Locog have written to residents and businesses affected by this weekend’s closures.