Hertfordshire County Council has announced the completion of the refurbishment of two major viaducts on the A414 between Stanstead Abbotts and Harlow. The works, which started on 15 September 2025, were completed ahead of schedule on 19 October 2025. The repairs were made in a third of the time that was originally planned which reduced the construction cost by £1m and saved 12 weeks of travel disruption for residents.

The River Lea Viaduct joints were in a poor condition, letting water in, posing a significant safety risk to road users and could have resulted in further damage. However, delivery was constrained by the soon to begin major scheme proposed for Gilston, and initial discussions about traffic management.

These indicated that the scheme would need to be carried out in a long 18 weeks’ series of night closures, and an estimated construction cost of £2.3m to keep disruption to a minimum. After further discussions, Hertfordshire’s Highways Service developed an alternative accelerated programme, employing 24 hours working for 6 weeks, resulting in a £1m saving.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, said:

“We’re always looking for ways to fix our roads and keep people moving in the most cost-effective way. The failing joints at the ends of each viaduct had to be replaced urgently. The highways teams working with the contractors determined a quick and cost-effective way forwards, acted promptly, and made significant savings for taxpayers. This refurbishment not only improves safety and drive quality for road users but also extends the lifespan of the infrastructure along one of the county’s busiest traffic corridors.”

To maximise the efficiency of traffic management and closures, the project team also carried out some additional maintenance work including road resurfacing, clearing the kerb between the two carriageways and refreshing road markings.

(Picture: Hertfordshire County Council)