Part of Parkland Walk, a 4.5km pedestrian and cycle route between Muswell Hill and Finsbury Park, the bridge needs replacing to achieve a 120-year lifespan.
A co-production exercise was undertaken to choose the best design option.
What progress has been made?
The demolition of the existing bridge was completed in early September 2024 before the installation of the new piled foundations and reinforced concrete abutments. In January the new steel deck was lifted into position in a single piece overnight.
The design of the concrete was developed through co-design with local young people and was chosen to complement the natural surroundings of the Parkland Walk, ensuring the bridge integrates with the natural environment. Rather than using plain grey concrete, a coloured and textured finish has been used to enhance the bridge's visual appeal, adding character to the structure and ensuring it aligns with the nature reserve setting.
On 16 June 2025 the new deck was opened to the public.
What will happen next
Work is ongoing to complete the access ramp on the east side of the bridge that will provide step free access up to the Parkland Walk. This ramp will be clad in natural stone to help it blend into the natural setting. Additional work has been required to divert uncharted sewers that were discovered during the works.
Further works are required on Stanhope Road to refresh and upgrade the footway and carriageway surfacing.
This will require a full road closure of Stanhope Road for 1 day to resurface the carriageway. The date for these works will be published in due course.
How this will affect you
Vehicle access
The road closure will only affect the section of Stanhope Road directly beneath the Parkland Walk bridge, with no through traffic possible between the junctions with Avenue Road and Parkgate Mews. Access to all properties will be maintained at all times.
During the road closure, traffic will be diverted via Shepherds Hill, Crouch End Hill, and Hornsey Lane. Signs will be in place to advise motorists.
Buses
The W5 bus will be diverted via Shepherds Hill and Archway Road during the road closure. For full details of the diversion, visit the Transport for London bus status updates page.
Pedestrians
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times along Stanhope Road. The Parkland Walk will be unaffected by these works.
Expected completion
Due to a number of unforeseen challenges, including adverse ground conditions and uncharted utilities, further work has been required that has delayed the original programme.
The main works are due for completion in early August with the opening of the access ramp and new access stairs.
Further minor works will continue in August to reinstate the works compound on Channing School playing fields. The resurfacing of the Stanhope Road carriageway will also take place over 1 shift at a date yet to be confirmed.
The project site will be seeded and planted with vegetation in September. This is the next suitable planting and seeding window and will give the vegetation the greatest chance to flourish. The site will be protected by erosion control matting in the meantime to prevent the surface soil from being washed or blown away. The entire project area will be landscaped and replanted with a mix of plants that enhance the biodiversity of the site.
Further information and contacts
We are committed to working with local people affected by these works, and to reducing the project impact wherever possible. We thank you for your attention and apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused by the works.
During the works, the following site personnel can be contacted for further information and assistance:
- Hassan Soboh, Milestone Infrastructure Ltd, Senior Project Manager – phone 07817 262 454
Alternatively, if you would like more information, please email frontline.consultation@haringey.gov.uk.