The bridges are Boles Bridge in Brent Lodge Park and Brent Valley Golf Course Bridge.
The council acknowledges and very much regrets any inconvenience and disruption caused by the closure but hopes the public will understand that pedestrian safety must come first.
The council is currently engaging with designers and a bridge manufacturer on planning for replacing both bridges.
It is important to note that, unlike other areas of the country, councils in London do not receive specific funding from the government for bridge maintenance or replacement. While the council has secured a small amount of funding from Transport for London (TfL) in the past few years, this was restricted to investigatory works rather than maintaining, improving, or replacing bridges. The council therefore needs to find other sources of funding to pay for replacement bridges and this can take time.
It is anticipated that, subject to confirmation of funding, a new, wider bridge will be in place by mid-2024 at both locations. This will allow the bridges to accommodate cyclists as well as walkers as part of our commitment to active travel.
Why was this decision taken?
As with all bridges owned and maintained by the council, regular inspections are carried out to assess their structural integrity.
The most recent inspections of the Boles Bridge and Brent Valley Golf Course Bridge showed deterioration to the extent that the entire structures were deemed to be unsafe, with the reports recommending immediate closure and replacement of the bridges.
Accordingly, the bridges have been closed in the interest of public safety.
To read the inspection reports please contact the highways team on highwayservices@ealing.gov.uk
Updated 17 August 2023