Multimillion pound resurfacing programme reveals roadmap to safer streets and smoother journeys in Redbridge
In an effort to deliver safer, smoother streets and a greener, more sustainable future, Redbridge Council has launched an ambitious £4.2 million road resurfacing and infrastructure upgrade programme. Set to span the next two years, the programme aims to tackle long-standing concerns around road conditions, public safety, and the borough’s growing need for environmentally sustainable travel options.
The resurfacing works, which began earlier this month, will span over 50 locations across the borough, starting with Atherton Road in Fullwell and Beattyville Gardens in Barkingside. The initiative forms part of a broader, ten-year strategic plan to enhance Redbridge’s roads, pavements, and highways, with more than 51,700 square metres of roadway—equivalent to approximately 198 tennis courts—resurfaced in the last year alone. This ongoing investment aims to meet the growing needs of the borough’s infrastructure, improve the daily lives of residents, and future-proof Redbridge’s roads and footways.
Redbridge Council’s £4.2 million resurfacing project is part of an even larger capital works programme, approved at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 29 April. This programme focuses not only on road resurfacing but also on addressing key issues such as road safety, flood risks, and the promotion of greener, more sustainable transport options, including expanding the borough’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network and enhancing cycling infrastructure.
Investing in Safer Roads
One of the programme’s top priorities is improving road safety, a concern that has long been highlighted by local residents. Potholes and deteriorating road surfaces have often been a source of frustration for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. To address these issues, Redbridge Council has committed £1.857 million to a comprehensive package of traffic calming and road safety measures. This funding includes £1 million of council funding and £857,000 in external funding. The new measures will focus on areas identified as high-risk based on accident data, local reports, and historical trends. They include speed restrictions, speed humps, improved zebra crossings, signalised crossings, and junction upgrades. By introducing these measures, the council aims to reduce the likelihood of road-related accidents and increase pedestrian safety.
These efforts are part of the borough’s broader commitment to improving road safety and working towards the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate road-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2041. Over the next nine years, Redbridge will invest nearly £14 million into road safety measures, with further initiatives planned in future years.
Tackling Flood Risks with Strategic Schemes
Flooding remains a pressing issue in several areas of Redbridge, particularly following heavy rainfall. To mitigate the risk of flooding and increase the borough’s resilience to flash floods, the council has allocated £1 million for 13 new flood alleviation schemes. These schemes will be implemented in areas that have previously been prone to flooding, including Seven Kings, Clayhall, and Fullwell.
The new schemes come after the successful implementation of several earlier flood risk reduction projects, which together have helped divert or temporarily store more than 380,000 litres of rainwater—equivalent to 15,200 five-minute showers—away from local sewer systems. These projects aim to prevent sewers from becoming overwhelmed, one of the leading causes of flooding. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of flash floods, Redbridge Council has committed to investing over £11 million in flood risk reduction over the next decade. This long-term investment will help protect homes, businesses, and local infrastructure from the devastating impacts of flooding.
Promoting Greener, Sustainable Travel
Redbridge’s ambitious plans also include promoting greener travel options and reducing the borough’s carbon footprint. As part of its commitment to sustainable transport, the council is continuing its expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network. By 2026, at least 1,000 EV charge points will be installed across the borough, ensuring that all residents are within a five-minute walk of a charger. The installation of these charge points will be fully funded through external grants and is aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered cars, and improving local air quality.
In addition to the EV charge points, the council is focusing on improving cycling infrastructure across the borough. This includes upgrading existing cycle routes, creating new bike lanes, and investing in bike storage solutions. A significant part of this initiative is the provision of cycle training for local residents, aimed at boosting cycling confidence and encouraging more people to choose sustainable travel options. Redbridge Council also plans to introduce new bike racks and lockers around the borough to provide safe and secure spaces for people to store their bikes.
Long-Term Commitment to Infrastructure
The £4.2 million resurfacing programme is part of a wider, ongoing effort to enhance Redbridge’s infrastructure and meet the evolving needs of the community. The project is designed not only to improve roads and pavements but also to tackle critical environmental and safety challenges, supporting the council’s broader goal of creating a safer, greener, and more connected borough. Councillor Jo Blackman, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, highlighted the importance of infrastructure investments in improving the quality of life for residents. “Good quality roads and pavements are essential to our residents’ everyday lives. The resurfacing programme is part of a larger strategy to ensure that Redbridge remains a safer, cleaner, and greener place to live, while also addressing pressing concerns like road safety, flooding, and climate change.”
She continued, “This ongoing investment will help us build a more resilient, sustainable, and connected Redbridge, supporting our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality, and promote greener travel choices. We are committed to creating a borough where residents can travel safely, sustainably, and without the frustrations of poor road conditions.”
A Future-Focused Redbridge
As the resurfacing programme rolls out over the coming months and years, Redbridge residents can expect a more connected, safer, and sustainable community. With continued investment in infrastructure, road safety, and environmental initiatives, Redbridge is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban development and climate resilience. Through these efforts, the borough aims to create safer streets, smoother journeys, and a cleaner, greener future for all its residents.
