WORK has begun on a major project to improve a “tired and congested” road system in the centre of Tottenham Hale.

The Tottenham gyratory is due to be taken out and replaced with a fresh and more open road system, with work pencilled in to start in autumn 2012.

Transport for London has this week begun preparation work, clearing and improving the pavements, upgrading lighting, and replacing trees.

The £35m scheme will restore two-way traffic to the road area which has become synonymous with congestion and frustration for motorists.

It will also include a new public square, and clearer paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillor Toni Mallett, cabinet member for planning and regeneration at Haringey Council, which has collaborated on the scheme with the Homes and Communities Agency and TfL, said: “For a long time local residents have been campaigning to remove the one-way system at Tottenham Hale that cuts residents off from their neighbours and makes access very difficult for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as contributing to traffic congestion and air pollution in the area.

“I am very glad to see that work has started to prepare to return the gyratory to two-way traffic, which I believe will make a major contribution to regenerating the area and making Tottenham a better place both to live and to do business.”

TfL has warned the preparation work, which will be completed this summer, could lead to some lane restriction, but access to most homes and businesses around the gyratory should be unaffected.