Station Way Bridge is located in Buckhurst Hill and carries Station Way over the railway line.
The bridge is a five span structure with three of the spans running over and adjacent to the London Underground Central Line.
Due to concerns relating to the instability of the northeastern side corner of the structure, Essex Highways introduced a lane and footway closure during April 2023. Further action was taken to prop the span causing concern in July 2023.
Our findings do not pose a risk to the railway itself.
Preliminary excavations above the bridge have been carried out, however further investigations and assessments are required in the future to help us to determine the best course of action going forward.
October 2024 - current status
In the months since the traffic lane over the bridge was closed, we have explored the defects and continued to monitor movement within the structure. We have also undertaken an assessment of the structures load carrying capacity. The assessment results are currently being signed off; results will be shared once the assessment report has been accepted.
The problems at the bridge stem from ground movement beneath the foundations, consequently, this is a situation that is complex and difficult to resolve.
Following completion of the assessment results, an option study to consider solutions to the problems will be carried out and we anticipate these will be complete within the next year.
Geotechnical investigation had been planned, however these would have required multiple day 24 hour road closures. Given the closure of the Broadmead Road Viaduct in Redbridge these investigations have been on hold to lessen the impact on the local road network. Instead, we are currently looking for options to undertake limited geotechnical investigations off the highway network and will shortly engage with adjacent landowners to agree access.
We would like to apologise for the impact that the lane closure is having on the travelling public. Once the assessment report has been agreed we will review the requirement for the lane closure and investigate possible solutions which will enable the reopening of the traffic lane above the bridge.
Further information
Our intention is to keep you informed of progress, with the latest information being available on this webpage and shared with the local Parish Council.
Advance notice of planned works will also be visibile on One.Network.