Broadmead Road Bridge, Woodford- An update
Broadmead Road remains closed, but change is coming! Redbridge Council plans a full bridge replacement to reopen this key route safely. Dates are TBC—watch this space!
Almost a year after our previous update ....
Here’s the latest official update on the Broadmead Road bridge closure from Redbridge Council and what it means for residents — including dates, plans and next steps:
1. No confirmed start date for major works yet
At the moment, Redbridge Council has not announced a specific date for construction to begin on Broadmead Road Bridge. The primary reason remains that funding has not yet been secured and detailed design approvals are still in progress. Until council funding applications (including bids to central government infrastructure funds) are successful, there’s no firm timetable for when physical work can start. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
2. Council has agreed the plan — a full bridge replacement
In July 2025, the council’s Cabinet agreed that the only viable long-term solution is to demolish the existing structure and build a new bridge over the Central Line. This decision followed detailed engineering assessments showing the current structure is beyond economic repair and cannot safely support cars or heavy vehicles. The new design is intended to safely carry:
cars and buses
pedestrians and cyclists
emergency vehicles
This option was chosen over partial repairs, which would not provide a long-lasting solution given the extent of the structural issues. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
3. “Shovel-ready” business case submitted; securing funding is the next hurdle
Council leaders have described the plans (and the technical report) as “oven-ready”, meaning the design and business case are complete and ready to be used in funding bids to government and funding bodies such as the Department for Transport Infrastructure Fund. The council is actively lobbying government to secure the money needed before any contract can be awarded and contractors mobilised. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
4. What’s happened so far
Since the closure in July 2023 due to cracks, corrosion and concrete damage found on the bridge, the council has:
carried out detailed structural inspections and testing
completed an “options report” setting out what’s needed
chosen the preferred long-term solution (full replacement)
made the business case available to partners and potential funders
Until funding is confirmed, the bridge remains closed to cars and heavy vehicles but is maintained for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists where safe to do so. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
5. What would happen next once funding is confirmed
Although there’s no official timeline yet, here’s the likely sequence once money is secured (based on how infrastructure schemes of this type usually proceed):
Finalise detailed construction design — refining plans, traffic management and engineering specs.
Tender and appoint a contractor — procurement can take months.
Site mobilisation and preparatory works — setting up safety zones and utilities diversions.
Major works start — demolition and rebuild of the bridge.
Testing, commissioning and reopening — once safety and structural tests are completed.
At this stage, the council’s updates stress that works will take a “significant amount of time” because of complexity, safety requirements (works above the Cental Line), and contractor scheduling. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
6. No confirmed reopening date yet
Official FAQs from the council still state that there is no reopening date and the work required is extensive, apologising for continued inconvenience but reaffirming that safety remains the priority. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
In summary
✅ Plan agreed: full replacement of the bridge. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
❌ Work start date: not yet confirmed. Funding still in progress. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
❌ Reopening date: no official estimate given yet. (Let's Talk Redbridge)
📌 Next milestone: securing funding and appointing a contractor.
