Transport for LondonOlympic and Paralympic route network
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Overview map of the ORN and PRN (PDF 780 KB)
It's vital that athletes and officials get to Games events on time. To ensure this is possible, temporary road changes will be introduced along the Olympic Route Network (ORN) - a 109-mile network of roads connecting key venues, accommodation and transport hubs across London. The Paralympic Route Network (PRN) will operate on a smaller scale during the Paralympic Games. The ORN/PRN is a fundamental part of London's Host City Contract.
Every day of the Olympic Games (27 July-12 August) and Paralympic Games (29 August-9 September) will be different. Traffic changes are likely to be introduced a couple of days before the Games begin and last until just after they end. However, some stretches of the ORN will be removed when they are no longer needed. The section to and from the Wimbledon venue, for example, will be removed after the Tennis finishes on 5 August.
In cases where the ORN/PRN forms part of a Games road event route, athletes and officials will use alternative routes to get around London. There will be some temporary traffic changes on these routes, although they will have less impact than those on the ORN and will only operate during the road events.
What are the changes?
In most instances, the ORN/PRN will remain open to general traffic and be kept clear of obstructions and roadworks. However, drivers need to be aware of temporary changes along the routes, including:
- Changes to traffic signals
- Restricted turns into side roads
- Suspension of parking or loading bays
- Suspension of some pedestrian crossings
As a number of diversions will be in place, you should check your route before your travel. Alternative routes to hospitals and town centres will be signposted.
Games Lanes
These clearly marked lanes will be on about a third of the ORN/PRN and, when operational, they will not be open to general traffic. They will only be available for accredited vehicles and the adjacent lane will remain open to general traffic. To avoid a fine, don't drive on Games Lanes when operational.
Cyclists will be able to use the ORN but won't be able to use most of the Games Lanes as they are offside (away from the kerb) - not the preferred road position for cyclists.
Arrangements will be made to allow cyclists to travel in most of the nearside Games Lanes.
Air quality
We have produced a summary report about the impact of the ORN and related traffic management arrangements on emissions and air quality. The report can be found on our Environment reports page.
Plan your journey
If you drive, changes to parking, loading and stopping restrictions along the ORN/PRN mean you may not be able to use or stop on some of your usual roads, lanes or turns. To keep traffic moving on the ORN/PRN, vehicles using suspended parking or loading bays are likely to be towed or receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
You should plan all your journeys carefully to avoid being towed, receiving a fine or encountering congestion.
- Check the latest ORN/PRN maps
- See which areas of London will be busiest during the Games
- View road events requiring road closures
- Check changes to local parking and traffic restrictions
- Learn more about restrictions and penalties
- Get travel advice for your business
Central London Zone
Some of central London's most iconic locations and streets will be transformed into Olympic sporting and cultural venues. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the area to take advantage of all that's on offer. There will be daily changes to the way roads can be used and drivers, pedestrians and cyclists will have to change the way they travel in around the area stretching from Trafalgar Square, through Victoria Embankment and Hyde Park Corner, to Marble Arch.
Public consultation
TfL has taken ownership of the design and operation of the ORN and PRN in London. Prior to this, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and Department for Transport carried out a consultation with local authorities along the designated route. These discussions, which began in 2006, also involved a range of road users, transport operators and interest groups.
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) consultations informed the first and second editions of the Transport Plan for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, (published in October 2007 and December 2009 respectively), and the Department for Transport consulted on the designation of the routes (published in 2008).
TfL's public engagement activity took place in 2011. Feedback received during this engagement period resulted in some changes to the proposed temporary changes on the ORN/PRN. A period of statutory consultation followed as part of the process for making Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO). This is the legal process that enables implementation and enforcement of the temporary changes to be made to the roads.
The ODA, as traffic authority for the ORN/PRN, is currently considering all objections and representations received during the statutory consultation period before deciding whether or not to make a TRO on the ORN/PRN. Other traffic authorities, such as local boroughs who need to make some of the supporting traffic orders, are also considering representations before deciding whether or not to support the TROs.
Any written submissions will be responded to directly once a decision has been made. This is expected to be from early March. Once a TRO has been made it will be advertised in the London Gazette and local newspapers. TRO's will also be uploaded to our website.
