Funding sought for vital Broadmead Road Bridge repairs

It has split my constituency in half and become the single biggest issue affecting residents across Chingford and Woodford Green.

Concerns about the bridge’s condition were first raised to Redbridge Council by Transport for London (TfL) in 2014.

Despite these early warnings, the council did not undertake the detailed structural surveys needed to assess the bridge’s condition until 2023.

Those surveys revealed serious structural defects, forcing the immediate full closure of the bridge.

The delays in identifying the defects and necessary repairs have had real consequences on the timeline to reopen the bridge.

Since the closure, I have continued to meet TfL, the Department for Transport (DfT) and Redbridge Council to push for progress to enable us to reopen the bridge.

I have heard directly from local students, parents, commuters and businesses about the strain this closure has caused, and I have raised these concerns to each government.

MP Iain Duncan Smith supports Redbridge Council's to the Department for Transport for funding to repair Broadmead Bridge and George Lane Viaduct (Image: Richard Townshend)

Last year, the government launched the Structures Fund for councils to repair or replace critical local highway structures across the country.

Earlier this month, Redbridge Council submitted a bid to the DfT covering both Broadmead Road Bridge and the George Lane Viaduct.

Whilst I have some concerns about the council putting the two bids together, I nonetheless strongly support the bid.

I have stressed endlessly to the government, even raising it on the floor of the House of Commons, that sorting out Broadmead Road Bridge should be seen as a national priority, particularly with the Central line running directly beneath it.

The potential for a disaster is an ever-present concern.

That is why, ahead of the Structures Fund deadline this August, I met Simon Lightwood, Transport minister responsible for the Structures Fund, to press the case for Broadmead Road Bridge.

The minister recognised the seriousness of the situation and confirmed that the case for funding is very strong, particularly given the safety implications associated with the Central line.

The government is expected to announce successful bids to the Structures Fund in mid-October.

I will continue working closely with ministers to ensure the vital importance of securing funding for Broadmead Road Bridge is made clear so the transport link can be restored for residents in Chingford and Woodford Green.

• Iain Duncan Smith is Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.