Redbridge Council submits bid for £80m Government funding, to rebuild Broadmead Road Bridge

Redbridge Council has submitted a formal bid to the Department for Transport's Structures Fund, seeking funding to rebuild Broadmead Road Bridge and secure its future for generations to come.

The Council, which would itself be providing a substantial financial contribution to the project, is pursuing this DfT funding on behalf of residents and businesses who have lived with the impact of the bridge closure for several years. Replacing the bridge would reconnect communities, improve access across Woodford, support local businesses and help restore an important route used by residents, visitors and emergency services. It would also strengthen a key piece of infrastructure above the Central line and support the wider economy by improving connectivity and reducing disruption across the transport network.

The bid marks a major milestone in the council's efforts to secure a long-term solution for the bridge. Since serious structural issues were identified, specialist teams have carried out detailed surveys, inspections, monitoring and engineering assessments to build a comprehensive picture of the bridge's condition and the work required to replace it.

At the same time, the council has led a determined campaign to make the case for investment. Councillors and officers have worked closely with Government, local MPs, TfL and other partners to ensure decision-makers understand the importance of the bridge to local communities, the wider transport network and the economy. The council has secured support from key stakeholders while assembling the technical, financial and engineering evidence needed to strengthen the bid. The council has worked with the DfT throughout and responded in detail to their preliminary survey earlier this year, putting us in a good position for submitting the full bid.

Replacing the bridge is a highly complex project. The structure spans the Central line and contains essential utility services that must be diverted before reconstruction can begin. In recent years, officers and engineers have worked through these challenges, refining designs, developing cost estimates, carrying out technical studies and preparing delivery plans to ensure the scheme is ready to progress if funding is secured.

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council said, "This bid is about local people. We are determined to restore this important connection for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on it, and that's why we've worked so hard to get to this point.

“We have carried out extensive investigations into the bridge, developed a viable plan for its replacement and worked closely with Government, local MPs and TfL to ensure decision-makers understand why this bridge matters so much to the people who rely on it every day. The opening of the Structures Fund gave us the opportunity to put forward a strong, well-developed proposal for Redbridge.

"I'd like to thank residents, businesses and everyone affected by the closure for their continued patience and support. We know this has been difficult and we understand the impact it has had on daily life.

"If we secure this funding, there is still a huge amount of work ahead. Replacing the bridge will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects the borough has undertaken and it will take several years to complete. But it would give us the opportunity to deliver a permanent solution: a brand-new bridge built to modern standards that reconnects communities, supports future generations and gives this part of Redbridge the reliable crossing it deserves."

If successful, the funding would support the council's plans for the long-term future of Broadmead Road Bridge and help deliver a lasting solution for local people. A rebuilt bridge would provide a safe and reliable crossing, reconnect communities and create an asset designed to serve local people for many decades to come.

The Structures Fund is a national programme that supports the repair and replacement of some of England's most deteriorated bridges, tunnels and flyovers. Competition for funding is expected to be intense, but Redbridge's bid sets out a strong case based on public safety, transport resilience, economic benefits and the bridge's importance to the community.

The council will continue to press the case for investment while the Government considers applications and will keep residents updated as soon as there is further news on the bid.