Welcome to the Highways Service Information Centre
Stone Bridge was originally constructed in 1926 and carries the A1124 Halstead Road over Bourne Brook. This provides a key route for vehicles travelling between Halstead and Earls Colne.
Following the routine inspections, the bridge was found to be in a very poor and deteriorating condition. An Option Study in 2019 recommended that the structure is replaced due to its deteriorating condition and Essex Highways have been working on a long-term solution to replace the structure.
Arrangements are in place to construct a new bridge which will be a fully integral portal frame structure, comprisingof precast prestressed concrete beams supported on pile foundations. The new foundations will be constructed behind the existing ones, allowing the new deck to span over the current abutments.
The existing deck will be removed, and the abutments will be cut down to create a mammal ledge beneath the new structure. New steel sheet‑pile retaining walls with concrete capping beams will be installed at all four corners.
While advance works have begun to clear vegetation, main construction activities will begin in on 9 July 2026 and continue until the end of March 2027.
To minimise disruption and avoid the need for a long diversion route, the bridge will be reconstructed in three key phases to allow traffic to continue using the route throughout most of the construction period.
A temporary pedestrian footpath and footbridge will be installed to maintain connectivity between the two Public Rights of Way in the area. This route will run around the outside of the working area and will be clearly signposted.
Please be aware a limited number of road closures are expected as part of these works when activities prevent traffic from using the bridge. Dates will be communicated once confirmed.
Part of the new structure will be built on the north side of the existing bridge.
This section will be wide enough to carry a temporary lane of traffic, allowing traffic to continue using the existing bridge while construction progresses.
Traffic will be diverted onto the section constructed in phase one.
The existing bridge and southern retaining walls will then be demolished, and the remaining part of the new structure will be built.
Both sections will be connected to form a single completed bridge.
The carriageway will be realigned to its original position on the south side of the bridge.
The final alignment will be slightly wider to meet current standards, with new safety barriers and parapets installed.
Please note that dates may be subject to change if we experience unsuitable weather or if unexpected issues arise.
Key updates, traffic management details and access information will be provided on local signage and on this webpage as work progresses.
You may also wish to follow @essexhighways or view one.network for information about other works in the area.
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