A 90-year-old bridge that has been shut for more than a year will not reopen unless new funding is provided by the government, Redbridge Council has said.

Broadmead Road Bridge in Woodford closed to drivers in July 2023 after it was found to be suffering from “significant structural defects”.

Since then, engineers have been surveying the structure for Redbridge Council.

In an update released yesterday (November 14), council leader Kam Rai revealed that the assessment has concluded that the bridge is “not structurally sound to reopen to vehicles”.

He added that the council does not have the funds to take on the project, which it is thought could cost up to £50 million.

“We are lobbying regional and national government for funding for this infrastructure,” Cllr Rai explained.  

“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.”

Pedestrians have been able to use the bridge during the closure and it was also reopened last month for motorbikes and bicycles, but not for cars or heavier vehicles.

Cllr Rai added: “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.”

It is understood that the bridge, which is almost 90 years old, has degraded over time as a result of natural erosion and de-icing materials used by gritters.

The council has lobbied the secretary of state for transport and the deputy mayor of London for transport to secure funding for the regeneration of the bridge in recent months.

The Department for Transport previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was up to Redbridge to “determine the best course of action to repair and maintain”.

Conservative group leader Paul Canal said the council should take out a long-term loan to avoid the “lifeline” bridge being closed for decades.

Redbridge Council will now host a public online meeting on Monday (November 18), where it will “discuss the current status of the bridge, update on the significant work that’s been undertaken while it’s been closed, and discuss the next steps”.