Bridge carrying the Hertford Loop Line north of Enfield Chase said to have ‘structural defects’, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

A railway bridge in Enfield that was found to be suffering from a range of structural defects is set to undergo repair work.

Network Rail has drawn up plans to repair and strengthen the bridge over Chase Green Avenue, which is part of the Hertford Loop Line, and hopes to begin the project in summer next year.

The 112-year-old Chase Green Railway Bridge is sited within Enfield Town Conservation Area and the borough’s local heritage list describes it as having a “detailed and intricate design” and an “ornamental character”.

But planning documents submitted to Enfield Council reveal the bridge is now suffering from a range of defects, including fractures in the structure of the arches.

Some of these defects are described as “urgent safety items, presenting a risk to the public or vehicles being supported by the structure or high risk defects requiring to be repaired in order to achieve the published rating of the structure or due to immediate health and safety concerns”.

The planning documents also state that there is “significant water percolation and staining throughout the structure which implies the failure of the existing structure drainage”.

According to a heritage statement submitted to the council, the proposed works “would ensure that the structure retains its ornamental character”, and there would be “no discernible change in the appearance of the structure upon completion”.

The council granted planning permission for the project on 2nd December. The scheme is due for completion in May 2024.

Jake Walton, senior asset manager for Network Rail, said: “We’re planning to renew the railway bridge on Chase Green Avenue in Enfield to make it stronger, repair the arches and keep it watertight well into the future.”

Jake added that Network Rail was “exploring innovative ways to deliver this essential work in the most cost-effective way with minimal impact on the community”. Work is expected to start next summer.

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