Bridge Closure

Road closure and width restrictions to be introduced at railway bridge

Road closure and width restrictions to be introduced at railway bridge

Havering Council has been instructed to introduce a three-tonne weight limit on the Heath Park Road/Victoria Road railway bridge after an assessment by Network Rail.

To prevent heavy vehicles crossing the bridge which carries traffic over the Upminster to Romford branch line, the Council needs to install structures on either side of the bridge to limit the width of vehicles to 6 feet 6 inches (2 metres).

 

In addition, Manor Road will be closed at its junction with Heath Park Road/Victoria Road until further notice as width restrictions are not suitable at this location.

 

Work will begin on 1 August. Heath Park Road and Victoria Road will be closed to traffic at the railway bridge for up to two weeks to allow construction of the physical width restrictions either side of the bridge. Pedestrians will still be able to walk across the bridge. Manor Road will also be closed at the junction of the railway bridge from 1 August.

 

The width restriction will effect the 370, 496, 649 and 650 bus routes which will be diverted via Brentwood Road.

 

Network Rail will be covering all the Council’s costs of implementing these necessary measures.

 

Network Rail will shortly be undertaking a detailed structural inspection of the bridge to see if substantial strengthening works are required. The weight restriction and traffic routes are likely to be in place for a significant time.

 

The Council has written to residents in the area informing them of the work and is in regular contact with Network Rail, Transport for London and the emergency services.

 

Councillor Barry Tebbutt, Cabinet member for Environment, said:

 

“This work that we have to carry out for Network Rail is essential to protect the safety of the public. We are sorry for the disruption this will cause and don’t want to inconvenience residents and motorists any more than we have to. We will, of course, keep residents updated on Network Rail’s inspection results.”

 

For more details contact Network Rail on 08457 114141.

 

Bridge map.pdf