TfL Ref: FOI-1841-2425

Thank you for your request which we received on 4 September 2024, asking for information about a bridge at Upper Holloway Station.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. 

By way of background, between 2014-2018 major works were undertaken on the main bridge which carries the A1 over Upper Holloway Station. A smaller prefabricated bridge had to be installed to carry the utilities and services which were embedded in the main bridge while the work took place. This prefabricated bridge was built as a “service bridge” and was never intended for pedestrian use. When the main bridge re-opened, the service bridge was closed off. 

Investigations were carried out to see if the service bridge could be opened for pedestrian use. However, it was found that the slopes were too steep to comply to modern walkway regulations and it was not safe, especially for children, who could use the handrails to climb up and risk falling onto the track. The risk of slips, trips and falls especially during inclement or icy weather were too high. 

Modifying the bridge for pedestrian use was looked at but proved to be too expensive to carry out. Furthermore, as Upper Holloway is not a changeover station, there is very little need for people to have to go from one platform to the other. Therefore, any business case for spending money on making the bridge compliant for the very small number of people who would have a need to use it, was thought not to be viable. 

The bridge is now fenced off with gates at both ends for litter clearance and any necessary maintenance. A see-through mesh has been added to ensure rubbish does not blow in there. 

Please see the following link for more information on the bridge and why it’s there: https://hochtief.co.uk/project/stip-upper-holloway-bridges-structures/  

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. 

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London