Sanders Lane Bridge works

Background of the scheme

The bridge was initially constructed in1880 over the Edgware, Highgate and London Railway tracks which connected Mill Hill East to the former Edgware railway station. It linked Devonshire Road to Bittacy Hill and Mill Hill East station. Trains ran to Edgware from 1867 up until the station closed in 1964.

In 1993, Sanders Lane Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic, with only pedestrian access permitted across the bridge.

Due to the nature of the structural issue and the age of the bridge, we had to carry out large scale investigations and surveys to establish the best long-term solution.

It would have been unsafe for us to reopen the bridge whilst we undertook our investigations.

Project details

Sanders Lane Bridge has been closed since March 2023 after a structural defect was found that created an immediate safety risk.

Following our extensive investigations, a solution has been found which includes:

Demolishing the existing bridge
Building a new footpath at a lower level, within the natural landscaping of the area.

Prior to demolition works starting, we have several tasks to undertake including:

An ecological survey to assesses the environmental impact of the proposal
A bat survey to check for the presence of bats in the area
Liaising with utility companies (such as Cadent Gas and Thames Water) to ensure the diversion of their apparatus before work commences
Horticultural tidy up of the area within the work zone to enable the safe completion of works.

The works will be carried out in line with the ecological features of the site, and in conjunction with Barnet Greenspaces and Barnet trees departments. The removal of the vegetation will be kept to a minimum possible.

Programme of works

Phase	Status
Pre-construction	Completed
Demolition of bridge	Completed
Construction of new footpath	In progress
Landscaping	Scheduled to start late-September 2025
Lighting installation	Scheduled to start early-October 2025
Further landscaping and planting	Scheduled to start March 2026

Construction should be completed by mid-October 2025, although this is subject to weather and no issues arising during the demolition or construction phases.

Further landscaping, including planting, will take place in March 2026. This is due to spring bringing the best time for seeding and to plant annuals, after the risk of frost has passed. Plants planted in late October or early November may not last their first winter as they would not have had time to bed in.

Whilst we appreciate some residents may wish to take photos or videos of the demolition and reconstruction, we would like to remind you not to enter the fenced off area. Temporary heras fencing has been erected around the work area for your safety.