Stone Bridge, A1124 Halstead Road, Earls Colne
Side view of Stone Bridge
About the scheme
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 an Option Study in 2019 that recommended that the structure is replaced due to it being in a poor and deteroriating condition, Essex Highways have been working on a long-term solution to replace the structure.
Arrangements are in place to install a new bridge will be a fully integral portal frame structure, comprising precast prestressed concrete 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 pass 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 July 2026 and continue until the end of March 2027.
View of the underside of the existing bridge
How the work will affect you
To minimise disruption and avoid the need for a long diversion route, the bridge will be reconstructed in three main key phases, beginning 9 July 2026. This will allow traffic to continue using the route throughout most of the construction period.
These activities will include drilling piles, driving steel sheet piles, and lifting concrete beams into place. These operations require large plant working close to the live carriageway, but public safety will remain the top priority.
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 dates and times are confirmed.
Phasing of main construction works
| Provisional dates for main construction (these may be subject to change) |
Activity and temporary traffic restrictions |
| Phase one from 9 July 2026 |
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.
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| Phase two |
Traffic will be diverted onto the new phase one section.
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.
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| Phase three |
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.
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Further information
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.