Redbridge Council has submitted a bid for £80 million in government funding to rebuild a major bridge that has been closed for more than three years. Broadmead Road Bridge has been closed since July 2023 due to structural issues, causing serious disruption for Woodford residents and motorists. The town hall is now seeking financial support through the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund.
Council leader stresses importance for residents
Kam Rai, Labour 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.”
He added: “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.”
Funding challenges and project complexity
Senior Redbridge councillors have previously warned the bill is too high for the council to afford on its own, especially when the town hall is making cuts to balance its budget. The council will be making a substantial financial contribution, it says, but has not provided any figures.
Replacing the bridge is a highly complex project, the council says. The structure spans the Central Line, and the essential utility services will need to be diverted before reconstruction can begin.
In the three years it has been closed, specialist teams have carried out detailed surveys, inspections, monitoring and engineering assessments in order to understand the bridge’s condition and the work required to replace it.
Opposition criticism and cost breakdown
The opposition Redbridge Independents group have criticised the ballooning bill for the bridge, however. In a statement, they said: “[Ilford North MP] Wes Streeting said [in 2023] fixing Broadmead Bridge would cost around £25 million and called on the Conservative government to act.
“Nearly three years of closure later, Labour-run Redbridge is now seeking £80 million from a Labour government — plus a substantial council contribution.
“How did £25 million become £80 million-plus? And after two years of a Labour government, why are residents still waiting?
“Redbridge deserves answers — and action.”
The £25 million figure would cover the construction of the bridge, while the remaining £55 million is needed to cover complex associated works, including critical utility provisions, diversions, and rail-replacement co-ordination over the Central Line.
