Brent Cross flyover condition worse than thought

Transport for London (TfL) is to introduce a new ‘safety-critical’ 7.5-tonne weight restriction on the A41 Brent Cross Flyover after checks showed the maximum weight that the structure is able to carry is lower than previously assessed.

The restriction will apply from 00:01 on Tuesday 11 October and a ‘short diversion’ for vehicles above this weight will be put in place directly below the flyover via its mid-level roundabout.

The Flyover is around 190m long and carries the A41 dual carriageway over the A406 North Circular in north London, in the Borough of Barnet.

TfL said it has a programme of regular inspections for all structures across its road network and that while the flyover does not pose any immediate risk to people using it, these new measures are being introduced to avoid any further damage to the flyover while it works to resolve the issue ‘as quickly as possible’.

TfL added that it ‘continues to work closely’ with the Department for Transport to secure up to £50m funding to renew a number of major structures in the area.

Director of network management Glynn Barton said: ‘Safety is our number one priority, which is why we are moving quickly to implement this important new weight restriction to keep our road network and everyone using it safe. We’re sorry for any disruption caused by the restriction and we will continue working on a long-term plan for the flyover’s future.’

TfL said it will be monitoring traffic in the area and will manage this where necessary.