Your cookie settings

We and our partners use cookies and similar technologies to help you with your payments and journeys, remember your login, use webchat, understand how our website is used and show you content and adverts you might be interested in.

Some of our partners rely on legitimate interests to use your personal data, instead of your consent. You have the right to reject this. View our partners to find out more.

Find out more about our cookies and how to manage your settings. If this page is blocked by a cookie pop-up, choose ‘Accept only essential cookies’ to then see the page.

We use essential cookies to ensure our website works properly. Any other cookies will only be set if you select ‘Accept all cookies’ below or by clicking ‘Manage cookies’ to learn more.

River Lea Crossing

 

Fortifying the crossing for the long term will cut the need for emergency repairs that often disrupt traffic and local communities. 

The refurbishment is being done by VolkerFitzpatrick, the lead delivery partner appointed by Road Management Services (RMS). RMS is responsible for operating and maintaining a 25km section of the A13, including the River Lea Crossing.

What we're doing

The refurbishment of the River Lea Crossing will be done in 2 major phases:

  • Below the bridge deck - this phase involves replacing steelwork and painting underneath the bridge. It has no effect on road traffic on the bridge
  • On the bridge deck - beginning in November 2024, this phase will involve waterproofing, resurfacing, and installing new bridge parapets. Because of the nature of this work, traffic management will be needed. We aim to reduce the impact on commuters, local residents, and other road users, although some disruption is expected

Why we're doing the work

The refurbishment of the River Lea Crossing is crucial for:

  • Safety - strengthening the bridge will ensure it remains safe to use, reducing the risk of accidents
  • Reliability - doing this extensive maintenance now significantly reduces the need for emergency repairs (often more disruptive and costly)
  • Longevity - these improvements are designed to keep the crossing functional and efficient for decades to come

What we've done so far

Since we began work in August 2024, we've made good progress working above and below the bridge deck.

Below the bridge - we've completed shot blasting, cleaning, and priming works. We've now started to replace the bridge steelwork, which will continue until October 2025.

Above the bridge deck - we're still working on road resurfacing. We're now in our third phase of traffic management and will soon start phase four. In June 2025, we'll complete the work above the bridge deck, including removal of traffic management.

What's next

There will be a full overnight closure of the crossing to safely install traffic management for phase 4 of above-deck work. This will take place in mid-April 2025 (we'll confirm the exact date soon).

The fifth and final phase of work above the bridge deck will include:

  • the reinstatement of the central reservation
  • the preparation for traffic management to be removed from the crossing

Following completion of our work above the bridge, we'll continue refurbishment work below the bridge deck. This work is programmed to be completed in October 2025 and will not impact road users.

Timeline

  • 2019-2022: Project development
  • 2022-2023: Detailed design stage
  • August 2024: Start of below deck works
  • September 2024: Start of above deck works
  • June 2025: End of above deck works
  • Autumn 2025: End of works

Minimising impact

We'll be installing several phases of traffic management during our above-deck work. Work will be done in phases to keep traffic moving and to minimise disruption as much as possible.

We're only installing traffic management when needed and keeping at least two lanes open in both directions at all times.

River Lea Crossing closures (25 September 2024 - 21 May 2025)

We'll be closing the road overnight between each phase to remove and install traffic management. The road closures are needed to ensure a safe working area for our workforce and to protect road users.

A fully signed diversion route will be in place during the overnight closures, which will be suitable for all vehicle types.

To complete our work safely, the crossing will close overnight on the westbound from 21:00 on Saturday 12 April to 08:00 on Sunday 13 April 2025.

For the latest information on how roads are operating in the area, check traffic status updates. You can also use our travel tools to plan your journey.