Four Forest Gate Bridges To Be Replaced in Year-Long London Overground Project

Four ageing railway bridges in Forest Gate will be replaced in a project running from September 2026 to late summer 2027, bringing prolonged road closures and several weekend shutdowns on the London Overground’s Suffragette line.

Network Rail will begin replacing four 130-year-old bridges carrying London Overground trains through Forest Gate on 1 September, with work expected to continue until late summer 2027.

The project covers bridges over Talbot Road, Strode Road, Stracey Road and Latimer Road, all on the Suffragette line between Leytonstone High Road and Woodgrange Park stations.

Roads and pavements directly beneath each bridge will remain closed throughout the work, creating longer-term disruption for residents, pedestrians, drivers and businesses in the E7 area. Additional nearby roads will also close for shorter periods during 2027.

Network Rail said the existing structures are inspected closely and remain safe, but their age means replacement is necessary to prevent unplanned closures and maintain a reliable railway. The new bridges are expected to remain in service until approximately 2150.

When Will the Forest Gate Bridge Work Begin?

Engineers will start at the Talbot Road bridge, near E7 0DX, and the Stracey Road bridge, near E7 0HG, on 1 September.

Work at Strode Road, E7 0DU, and Latimer Road, E7 0LH, will follow on 28 September. Network Rail contractor BAM is delivering all four replacements.

The first stage will involve extending the supporting structures at either end of each bridge so they are able to carry the replacement decks. The old decks are then scheduled to be demolished and the new spans installed during spring 2027.

Completion is planned for late summer 2027. Based on that timetable, the replacements would have an anticipated working life of more than 120 years, although future maintenance and inspection will continue to be required.

Joe Kennedy, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said thousands of passengers cross the bridges each day as trains travel through residential parts of east London.

He apologised for the expected disturbance, saying Network Rail would work closely with local residents and businesses “to keep the impact to a minimum while we get the job done”.

Weekend Suffragette Line Closures Are Expected in 2027

Passengers will face some weekend closures on the Suffragette line while the bridge decks are removed and replaced in 2027.

Network Rail has not yet announced the affected weekends or confirmed which sections of the Gospel Oak-to-Barking Riverside route will close. Exact dates and alternative travel arrangements are expected to be published closer to the work.

The distinction is important for passengers: the roads and pavements beneath the four bridges will close for the duration of the project, while railway shutdowns are currently expected only on selected weekends in 2027.

Residents and businesses have already been sent letters about the scheme. Two public drop-in sessions will also be held at Forest Gate Learning Zone, 1 Woodford Road, E7 0DH, where people can question members of the project team.

The first session is scheduled for Thursday, 6 August, from 10.30am until 1.30pm. A second will take place on Wednesday, 12 August, from 5pm until 7.30pm. Visitors should use the entrance at the corner of Dames Road and Clinton Road.

Network Rail said more public sessions and construction updates would follow as the project progresses. Residents can also register for digital notifications, while passengers are advised to check current travel information before journeys once the 2027 closure dates have been confirmed.