Broadmead Road update - Monday, 2 October 2023

Redbridge Council has issued an update on the closure of Broadmead Road, Woodford.

Broadmead Road was closed to traffic in July due to significant structural defects reported following an inspection of the bridge. As soon as the defects were discovered, the road was closed immediately 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 and the next steps available to reopen the road. 

Unfortunately, the size and location of the structure over the Central Line track means multiple detailed technical surveys are required to establish both the condition of the bridge and potential resolutions; these surveys must be conducted with the support of Transport for London (TfL). 

The location of the bridge also means the time period engineers can conduct essential survey work consists of approximately 1.5 hours per night when the train track is not in use. We are working closely with TfL to speed up this survey work where possible.

The council is working closely with Transport for London (TfL) to speed up this survey work where possible. To reopen Broadmead Road will require extensive construction work and is expected to take a significant amount of time. At this stage, Redbridge Council is continuing survey work to establish what works are necessary to ensure the bridge section of the road is safe. 

To date, Redbridge Council has undertaken the following actions to determine the condition of the bridge section of Broadmead Road:

• An initial inspection of the bridge which found significant structural defects that warranted an immediate closure to prevent potential injury and loss of life.
• A hammer tap survey which confirmed significant structural issues.
• Further hammer tap surveys have been organised for other parts of the bridge.
• A principal inspection is being organised. Following this survey, an options report will be shared with the Highways Team outlining what work needs to be completed to make the bridge safe. 
• A Section 41 notice has been issued and posted at sites under the bridge, warning people parking or otherwise using space under the bridge to vacate the area, which will then be fenced off to keep the site secure. This is for safety reasons, as the area is at risk of falling debris, and to allow further inspections and any works to take place. 
• Safety inspections have been undertaken at all other similar structures across Redbridge to determine if they are at risk. 

To alleviate traffic disruption, Redbridge Council will:

• Continue to monitor traffic on Broadmead Road and request TfL continually review the traffic signals before the bridge section of the road. 
• Install additional signs around Broadmead Road to update users. 
• Review pausing the progress of any major roadworks along main roads in the area under council control to prevent further traffic disruption. Works on the A406 fall outside of the council’s control. 
• Continue to support TfL in diverting buses around the road closure.
• Continue to support Essex County Council to alleviate traffic around the Station Way bridge near Roding Valley Station, which falls under their jurisdiction.