A40 road, Major trunk road in Greater London and Buckinghamshire, England
The A40 is a major road running from central London through multiple regions, connecting urban areas with towns and countryside toward Wales. It passes through bustling city streets like Oxford Street, divided highways, and quieter stretches as it extends beyond the capital.
The road was reshaped after World War II when planners redirected it from its earlier route through western suburbs and incorporated new sections to improve traffic flow. This expansion created a more direct path linking London's center to outlying areas.
Oxford Street, the main shopping area along this route, draws shoppers and locals daily who browse stores and stop at cafés between the chain retailers. The street serves as a social gathering place where people meet, rest, and experience central London's commercial character.
The elevated Westway section moves traffic above street level, helping drivers avoid traffic lights and ground-level crossings through densely built areas. During peak hours this section can become congested, so planning travel time around quieter periods helps avoid delays.
The Westway, completed in 1970, stands as an elevated highway running above an established neighborhood, channeling traffic over residential areas between Paddington and North Kensington. This unusual solution of building a major road above existing homes created a distinctive landmark in London's landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
