FAQs

The bridge has been closed since July 2023 because of safety concerns following a visual inspection which identified cracks, falling concrete and concrete corrosion on the legs, spans and underside of the bridge. The Council took immediate action to close the bridge to all vehicular traffic in view of the risk of falling concrete onto the live Central Line running underneath and concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge.

On Thursday 13 July Redbridge Council undertook a structural survey of Broadmead Road. The survey outcome recommended immediate part closure of the road pending further assessment.

Following guidance from the structural engineering team, Broadmead Road was closed between Charteris Road and St Barnabas Road.

The Council is looking at the forward plans of utilities and its own works and trying to adjust plans so any roadworks can be delayed or adjusted to reduce disruption.

Unfortunately this is not possible. There are some circumstances where utilities and the Council need to carry out emergency works to repair infrastructure, such as leaking gas pipes, water mains or other essential services that residents need.

In August 2026, we submitted a bid to the Government's Structures Fund seeking £80 million to support the demolition and rebuilding of Broadmead Road Bridge. The bridge remains closed to vehicles but continues to be available for pedestrians and cyclists.

In July 2025, Cabinet agreed to pursue Option 3: demolishing the existing bridge and constructing a new replacement bridge. The funding bid submitted to Government in August 2026 is based on this option.

No. The Council has applied for funding, but no decision has yet been made. We expect the Government to announce funding decisions in autumn 2026, although the timetable is outside the Council's control and could be later.

The Council has applied for £80 million from the Government's Structures Fund. If the bid is successful, the Council would also contribute around £20 million towards the project.

The scale and complexity of the project mean it cannot be funded solely through the Council's existing budgets without impacting other essential services. This is why securing external funding remains a priority.

We currently expect a decision from Government by autumn 2026, although this could be later. We will update residents as soon as we receive confirmation.

Yes. This will be a major and highly complex engineering project and there will inevitably be disruption during demolition and construction. The structure extends far beyond the bridge span itself, with a total length of approximately 245 metres. The project will involve significant construction activity and vehicle movements over several years. We remain committed to being open and transparent with local residents and keeping them informed every step of the way.

At present, the bridge remains open to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles. Any future changes required for safety or construction purposes would be communicated in advance wherever possible.

The bridge cannot remain in its current condition indefinitely. There is a risk that without intervention there could be an unplanned closure affecting the Central Line beneath the structure. Demolishing and replacing the bridge is considered the safest and most sustainable long-term solution.

The bridge is a key transport link connecting Woodford and surrounding communities. Before its closure, around 15,000 vehicle movements used the route each day. The bridge also carries important utility services and sits above the Central Line, making it strategically important to both local and regional transport networks.

The bid was submitted with letters of support from local MPs, neighbouring authorities and local schools, reflecting the importance of restoring this connection for residents, businesses and public services.

As the project develops, we will keep residents updated in a range of different ways, including direct face to face updates, letters, website updates and public events.

While we await a funding decision from Government (expected in autumn 2026), we will continue planning work, engaging with key stakeholders and keeping residents informed. We remain committed to securing the funding needed to rebuild and reopen Broadmead Road Bridge as quickly as possible.

We understand the significant impact the bridge closure continues to have on residents, businesses and visitors. Securing Government funding remains our top priority, and we will continue to keep our community updated as soon as further information becomes available.