Broadmead Road Bridge

We continue to work to resolve the future of Broadmead Road Bridge. We are in direct dialogue with Government ministers, making the case for investment from central Government based on the bridge’s strategic role in connecting our borough, in bridging the central line, and on the continued impact of its closure.

The technical report has now been received by the Council. To ensure transparency and keep residents and neighbouring communities informed, the full report is available in the documents section of this website, with a less-technical executive summary of the report.

Intensive work has been carried out by specialist engineers to assess the structure of Broadmead Bridge. We have previously informed you of the detailed concrete testing and the Principal Inspection that has been undertaken, and the results of this work.

The technical report

In addressing a structure like Broadmead Road Bridge, we are required to move through specific analysis and reporting stages. This enables us to assess the deterioration of the bridge’s key parts and calculate the load the bridge can bear.

The most recent stage involved commissioning engineers to calculate the load the bridge can currently take to keep people safe. This was complex work, which was carried out by AtkinsRéalis. They used the concrete testing work, geometric surveys and scans, and recorded defects from inspection reports. They have also calculated the load the bridge was designed to take at its original construction 87 years ago.

Findings in summary

• The bridge can support the current use by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, subject to no further deterioration.
• The bridge cannot safely support cars or heavy vehicles in its current condition.
• The closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic must remain in place.

Fuller detail is available in the summary report [link] and the full report [link]

Next steps

• The structure will continue to be monitored for safety reasons.
• We are working with our specialist consultants on the Options Report which is due to be published in the coming months. This report will look at the options available to us, which could include repairing or rebuilding the bridge. It will also provide high level designs and costings for the options.
• Once we have the options from the engineers, a decision will be taken by elected Councillors, in public, on the way forward.
• In the meantime, we will continue to prioritise our fight for funding.

What else have we been doing?

We have been intensively working to push central Government for the funding that will be needed to repair or replace the bridge as required.

Lobbying work has included writing to, and meeting, ministers and officers right at the top of the UK Government. We are, with a partnership group (including emergency services) urgently requesting support and are stressing the importance of this structure to local people, and the impact its closure is having on the community in Redbridge.

We truly understand the impact this is having on local people, school children and teachers, local businesses and everyone who needs to travel across this part of the borough. We live and work in Redbridge and share your frustration that we are not yet in receipt of the funding required to bring this bridge back into use.

We’d like to thank you for your ongoing patience and for supporting us in our urgent calls for funding. We will update you again upon receipt of the formal options report.

We continue to work to resolve the future of Broadmead Road Bridge. The high-level options report and full technical report are expected shortly. As soon as we receive them, we will publish both in full, alongside clear summaries, to ensure transparency and keep residents and neighbouring communities informed.

Our public affairs and lobbying work is well established. We are in direct dialogue with government ministers, making the case for national investment based on the bridge’s strategic role and the sustained impact of its closure.

We are working closely with neighbouring boroughs and key organisations through our dedicated working group to ensure a joined-up response. In parallel, we are developing a funding strategy, exploring all potential outcomes and funding sources to ensure we are ready to act.

We are committed to working with government, the Greater London Authority, our partners and the community to deliver a safe and lasting solution. Our next update will include the reports and a full summary of what they mean for next steps.

This is the latest update on the Broadmead Road Bridge.

The top priority is to ensure we have a safe bridge that can be used by pedestrians and vehicles. Currently the bridge cannot have vehicles crossing it.

We are finalising the technical report. This covers the detail about load capacity. We expect to be able to publish the report in early April which will now comprise both the structural load capacity as of right now and the structural load capacity as-built in 1937.

We are also developing an Options Report, setting out all solutions for the Bridge's future. This report will be published in late Spring 2025. This will include repair and protection or replacement options.

The Bridge cannot be reopened in its current state and we are dedicated to finding a safe and sustainable solution.

We will provide another update in March.

The links to the summary report, Principal Inspection and Concrete Testing reports in the "documents" section of this page on the right hand side and they can be found below:

Summary Update Report [4.1 mb]:Link

Principal Inspection Report [207 mb]: Link

Concrete Testing Report [39.1mb]:Link

• An overview of the Principal Inspection, Hammer Tapping, and Concrete Testing findings.
• Updates on the current status of works.
• Details of the future programme of works.

We hope this summary proves helpful, as the reports are highly detailed and complex.

In addition, the Council has completed the installation of replacement lamp columns on the bridge. These new aluminium columns are lighter and slightly smaller than the previous ones, allowing for manual installation since vehicles cannot access the bridge.

Hand-gritting of the road and footway on the bridge is being carried out at appropriate times of cold weather to ensure safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists using the bridge.

The Council is awaiting the first set of technical reports which will determine the current structural load capacity of the bridge which once received will be analysed and reported on through this page.

Links to the documents can be found in the "documents" section of this page on the right hand side and can be found below:

• Summary Update Report [4.1 mb]:Link
• Principal Inspection Report [207 mb]: Link
• Concrete Testing Report [39.1mb]:Link

An online meeting was held, with Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, on 18 November 2024.

Local people were invited to dial in, to hear about the condition of the bridge following assessments from structural engineers, and to find out the next steps for this crucial local infrastructure.

A video of the meeting is below, you can find the questions that were asked by local people in the meeting and the answers to them here, and you can find the slides used in the session here.

An online meeting will be held, with Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, on 18 November 2024 at 6pm. Local people are invited to dial in, to hear about the condition of the bridge following assessments from structural engineers, and to find out the next steps for this crucial local infrastructure.

Cllr Kam Rai said, “I share in everyone’s frustration that the bridge is not currently open, and I am acutely aware of the disruption this is causing to people who live, work, or study near to this junction and in the wider area.”

“Following significant structural defects discovered during site inspections, we had no choice but to close Broadmead Road Bridge to vehicles to protect the public travelling over the bridge, and to protect people travelling on the tube line under the bridge. Now that much of the structural assessment is drawing to an end, it is clear that the bridge is not structurally sound to reopen to vehicles. It is nearly 90 years old, and has degraded over time.”

“We are lobbying regional and national government for funding for this infrastructure. Even if we had available funds for this, the work required is extensive and would likely take several years to bring the bridge back into full use. It is imperative we receive Government support after 14 years of under funding to local authorities – we have been stripped of around half our funding as a Council since 2010 and while we are stretching the funding we have as much as we possibly can to maintain our core services, we simply do not have millions to repair or rebuild this bridge. Since I became council Leader in July, I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport and met with the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport to outline the challenge we face, explain why the bridge is important and needs their assistance. I will continue to advocate for Woodford, and work to secure the funding we deserve..

“I strongly encourage everyone with an interest in the area to dial in to our meeting on 18 November. We will discuss the current status of the bridge, update you on the significant work that’s been undertaken while it’s been closed, and discuss the next steps.”

Please click on this link to join the meeting on Monday 18 November 2024 at 6pm: Link

The Council conducts structural testing on its lamp columns which is an important part of maintaining and keeping our infrastructure safe, as part of its programme, Broadmead Bridge was chosen as part of this years programme due to the closure of the bridge and the wider structural problems with the bridge itself.

Following the tests, it was observed that there was corrosion at the base of some of the columns due to water ingress. As a result, four lamp columns were cut down for safety reasons. These were located on the eastern side of the bridge.

Temporary lighting is being set up shortly to keep the bridge well-lit until permanent replacements can be manufactured and installed. This process can up to twelve weeks.

Current Situation

Broadmead Road Bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic due to significant structural defects found during an inspection. The closure was unavoidable to ensure the safety of the public and prevent any potential accidents or injuries. We understand this has caused frustration and longer journey times for local residents, and we apologise for the inconvenience.

The bridge, which is 87 years old, was built for a time when traffic was lighter and vehicles were less heavy. To help manage the impact of the closure, an official diversion route has been set up via the A406, directing traffic to Chigwell Road or High Road, Woodford. While this is a necessary measure to maintain safety, we are working hard to resolve the situation and minimise disruption as much as possible.

We know that the closure is disruptive, and we share your frustration. We want it repaired as soon as possible, and we are working really hard to get there. We need additional funding from regional and national government to support our effort, as we can’t do this alone.

Allowing cyclists and motorcyclists to use the bridge

Following the latest analysis from structural engineers, we can now allow motorbikes and bicycles to cross the bridge. To allow this, we will remove the Heras fencing and install planters on the bridge starting the week of 7 October. This will ensure cars and heavy vehicles cannot access the bridge. Signs will be installed to inform drivers of cars and larger vehicles that the bridge remains closed. We will also adjust road markings to improve traffic flow. The changes are safe to implement and will not affect the bridge's structure.

We will review and adjust the arrangements as needed.

Concrete Testing and Inspections Update

Engineers are currently analysing in detail the results of the concrete testing to assess the weight that can be taken across different parts of the bridge.

Next Steps

The bridge will be opened to motorcycles and cyclists in the coming weeks. We will publish a simplified version of the Principal Inspection (a technical and detailed report from structural engineers that will tell us more about the structure of the bridge) report on this webpage by mid-November, along with the full inspection report. Fuller details about timelines and next steps will also be shared within the next month to keep residents informed of our progress.

We are continuing to lobby the Department for Transport and the Greater London Authority for their support in repairing the bridge, and we are planning an online Q&A with the Leader of Redbridge Council and senior Highways officers to address residents’ questions.

Broadmead Road Bridge remains closed to traffic. It was closed due to significant structural defects following an inspection of the bridge. We had no choice but to close the bridge to prevent potential loss of life or serious injury. The public's safety is our top priority.

Broadmead Road bridge is 87 years old, and 87 years ago, the stresses on the bridge were less because cars were lighter, and traffic was less.

The official diversionary route is via the A406 to either Chigwell Road or High Road, Woodford. We know the frustration the bridge closure is causing, and understand it's making journey times for local people much longer. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this is causing for local people. We are doing all we can to resolve the situation.

Actions we've been taking to help resolve this as far as we can

The Council is following a document called CS470 - Management of sub-standard highway structures. The severe condition of the bridge meant we needed to follow the process outlined in this document. It takes us through what is needed to be done to manage sub-standard structures, or when there could be an immediate risk to public safety.

The identified concerns with the condition of the bridge bring it into the scope of this document. The document provides clear guidance to all in its pages on how sub-standard structures are managed and guidance on what to do if we believe there to be an immediate risk.

By closing the bridge, the Council applied what the document describes as an "urgent application of load mitigation interim measures".

This means we had to reduce the load on the bridge by removing all traffic. We took into consideration the safety of people travelling over the bridge, and those using the Central Line that runs underneath the bridge when making this decision. It was not made lightly, but protecting life had to come first.

At this moment in time there is no evidence that the bridge could collapse under its own weight, however additional inspections and monitoring have been put in place to continue to assess the bridge to ensure the public's safety is protected as far as we can.

Whilst we appreciate it may seem that progress is slow, we are working hard and at pace to move through the required steps of this complex process to ensure the safety of residents and the Central Line.

1. Principal Inspection Report & Hammer Tapping

After the closure of the bridge, we acted quickly to arrange, through TfL, a Principal Inspection and Hammer Tapping. A Principal Inspection is a detailed examination of a structure that aims to look at every single element of it including joints, legs, spans and the bridge deck. Hammer tapping allows the structural engineer to test for defects within the concrete, looking for hollow areas which can expose cracks or voids or even delamination. This is a time-consuming process involving hammer tapping the entire structure, but we had to do this to establish the integrity of the bridge and to allow for full analysis to be undertaken.

The findings will be detailed within the Principal Inspection report.

Making the concrete safe during and after testing

As any areas we investigated were exposed and unstable concrete removed, we applied concrete mortar to make safe those areas and reduce any further degradation from the elements.

The status of this work

The Principal Inspection is 99% complete. We require access to one last remaining room underneath the structure to inspect and hammer tap, which we are looking to get the owner to vacate. Then the Council will be able to finalise its report.

Initial findings (ahead of the report)

The initial findings of the report has demonstrated the Council was right in its decision to instruct the closure of the bridge, and in doing so we have ensured the safety of people travelling over, under and near it.

2. Concrete Testing

The Council commissioned concrete testers to get a detailed analysis of the deterioration of the concrete on the bridge. Samples were taken from the legs, spans, and the bridge deck in late Spring and have been sent back to the laboratory for testing. The tests will allow the engineers to determine the level of deterioration that has taken place since the bridge was first constructed, they will also allow us to determine the current structural load capacity of the bridge (ie the weight and whether any activity of traffic over the bridge, that it may be able to bear). This will take time to calculate and check.

Initial findings

The preliminary findings of the concrete testing do indicate structural wear and tear and the defects presented are similar across the bridge. The defects are a combination of natural erosion over time, which is known as carbonation. This can cause the corrosion of concrete. Other deterioration has been noted as a result of the use of de-icing materials when we undertake gritting.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists using the footpath

The Council has instructed the amendment of the traffic management of the bridge. Once the traffic order is confirmed and the materials received, work will begin to remove the heras fencing and install planters to allow motorcyclists and cyclists to use the road of the bridge instead of the footpath where pedestrians are. After careful and considered analysis, the engineers have said that allowing cyclists and motorcyclists on the bridge is safe.

3. Next Steps - Options Report

The next step in the process after the concrete samples have been fully tested and load capacity calculated is the options report. This will provide the Council with a set of options on what can be done with the bridge, whether it be replacement options, different repair and protection options or other options the engineers see fit to propose.

We do understand the time-consuming process we're undertaking means journey times are longer for people living and travelling nearby, and we do sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is causing. The systematic approach we're taking to assessing the structure is essential in ensuring we protect the safety of local people, which we will always put first.

Broadmead Road Bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic. 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 were occupied by containers that 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. Those inspections are now taking place and the Council will soon be in a position to finalise its principal inspections report.

The concrete testing is in progress to determine the strength and level of the deterioration of the bridge. The surveys will allow the structural engineers to determine 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. Any samples taken are being analysed on site and as required are being sent back to a laboratory for further analysis and testing. 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.