History of Broadmead Road Bridge

A major section of Broadmead Road in Woodford was closed to traffic in July 2023 due to significant structural defects reported following an inspection of the bridge. As soon as the defects were discovered, the road was closed to prevent potential loss of life or serious injury.

Following the closure, the Council commissioned more detailed surveys to establish the extent of the structural issues. These surveys are ongoing.

To reopen Broadmead Road will require extensive construction work and is expected to take a significant amount of time. Essential repairs to the bridge are expected to cost around £25million, but could potentially cost far more.

Having lost around 63% of government funding since 2010, councils across the country are in an incredibly difficult financial position. In Redbridge the impact of government funding cuts and extra demand means we have around £230million less to spend on public services every year. As a result funding projects of this magnitude is not feasible within our budget and so it is vital funding be provided through the Department for Transport.

We have written to the Government to seek urgent financial support to reopen this critical transport link.

In the meantime, structural engineers are conducting further hammer tap surveys on the spans and legs of the bridge to establish the extent of the disrepair. Engineers are also putting measures in place to protect the structure.

The official diversionary route remains via the A406 to Chigwell Road or High Road, Woodford.

We are monitoring roadworks in the area on the Redbridge network and reviewing future roadworks planned by utility companies to reduce the duration and impact of these works. The bridge is open for pedestrian use.

We apologise for the inconvenience the bridge closure is causing and thank users and local residents for your continued patience and understanding.