Broadmead Road update - Thursday, 23 May 2024

Broadmead Road Bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic to prevent potential loss of life or serious injury. The official diversionary route is via the A406 to either Chigwell Road or High Road, Woodford.

The bridge was constructed in 1937 and has now unfortunately come to the end of its life. Structural engineers are writing up the Principal Inspection report from the inspections undertaken throughout the Autumn and Winter months for the Council to review and approve.

Sections of the bridge occupied by containers were not accessible to inspect and so the Council is liaising with the owners of the containers to secure their move from under the structure so the remainder of the Principal Inspection can be completed and submitted in full.

The next survey will be the concrete testing that will determine the strength and level of deterioration of the bridge. This survey will also allow structural engineers to determine the current capacity the bridge can take and provide details for an options report to be put before the Council on works needed to re-open the bridge. The concrete testing teams, engineering teams, and Transport for London (TfL) have met on site to confirm the locations and are looking to begin those surveys shortly. The Council will collaborate with TfL to get access, as required, to any areas that are within TfL’s land adjacent to the railway line, and gain relevant approvals to carry out the testing.

We are aware of the impact of this bridge closure and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this is causing for local people.