Abbotsford Bridge is located to the south east of Elsenham and north of Stansted Airport. It carries Hall Road, an unclassified road, over Stansted Brook.
The bridge, which consists of a culvert that runs under the road, was originally constructed in two different stages. The original structure is a cast iron deck supported on cast iron girders constructed in 1880. This was extended at a later stage on the east side.
Inspections have identified that the structure requires dismantling and replacing as it is now found to be in a weak and deteriorating condition.
Advance vegetation clearance works were carried out in March 2019 in preparation for construction to begin in spring 2019.
Preparations have been made to commence main construction from 13 May 2019, these works are expected to take approximately six months to complete.
This will involve the installation of a temporary footway prior to the removal of the existing bridge to ensure pedestrian access is maintained. The waterway will be diverted for the works and utility supplies relocated to enable the existing structure to be removed and bridge reconstructed.
During this time a full closure of the road will be necessary, 24 hours a day until the works are complete.
Advance signage will be on site and following diversion will be in place during the road closure: Hall Road, B1051 (Henham Road, Mill Road, Thaxted Road), Church End, Brick End, Woodgates End, Chapel End, Molehill Green, Waltham Hall Road, Elsenham Road and vice versa. Care has been taken to choose an appropriate diversion route suited to all vehicles which avoids narrow lanes at Pledgdon Green, i.e. Brick End Road, Henham and Church End Lane.
Clearway/No parking restriction - B1051 High Street/Henham Road junction with Hall Road
Following a request from Elsenham Parish Council, a temporary Clearway/No parking restriction will be introduced on the B1051 High Street/Henham Road at the junction of Hall Road during the closure of Abbotsford Bridge. This restriction is designed to support traffic flow in the area, providing sufficient space for vehicles who attempt to turn around at the junction of Hall Road.
The temporary Clearway/No Parking restriction will be effective 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of the bridge closure which commences Monday 13 May 2019. Warning notices will clearly identify the sections of road and periods when parking enforcement is effective. No parking cones and signage will be in place so please refrain from parking vehicles in these areas when the Clearway/No Parking is in operation.
The Clearway/No Parking areas are enforceable by issuing a Penalty Charge Notice or parking tickets. In addition, if a vehicle is causing an obstruction and the owner cannot be easily identified then the owner is at risk of the vehicle being moved, by one of our specialised contractors, to a nearby safe parking place. If this were to happen the owner would be required to contact the Essex County Council contact centre on 0345 603 7631 or Essex Police on 101 who will have details about the whereabouts of the vehicle.
We regret any inconvenience caused however it is essential we enforce a Clearway to ensure the road remains clear without obstructions.
A plan is included below of the approximate location of the proposed Clearway/No parking restriction for illustration purposes only and can also be referred to on One.Network. Areas affected will be clearly identified on site.
To view details regarding enforcement of the restriction, please also refer to information poster in the Document section below.
Passenger transport
As a result of the bridge closure, TrustyBus route 7/7A which runs between Bishops Stortford and Stansted Airport via Elsenham will be operating a diversion under a revised timetable. A section of route 7A, covering housing areas on the north side of Stansted Mountfitchet will not be served by the regular bus service. An alternative temporary service will be in place as outlined below:
Changes to shuttle bus service to 'dial-a-ride' service effective Monday 30 September 2019:
A dial-a-ride only service will be available to passengers. This service will be operated by 24x7 Ltd and will require passengers to pre-book two hours before travel by calling: 07534 586785. The number will be manned daily from 6am.
As it is a dial-a-ride service only all journeys outbound and inbound will require booking in advance. The service will not run to collect passengers unless a booking is made. The service will connect passengers up with the 7 bus route and will not take passengers to their final destination.
If you have any queries regarding the passenger transport arrangements please either contact the operator directly, or the Essex Passenger Transport Team on 0345 603 2200. You can also follow the passenger transport twitter account: @Essex_pt
Further information
The work programme may be subject to change if works are affected by poor weather or if unexpected issues arise.
We will share the latest information about the works and progress updates on this webpage as information as the scheme progresses.
Thank you in advance for your patience and co-operation while we undertake these necessary works.