A414 Viaduct Refurbishment Completed Ahead of Schedule, Saving £1m

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed that refurbishment work on two key viaducts along the A414, between Stanstead Abbotts and Harlow, has been successfully completed.

The project, which began on 15 September 2025, finished ahead of schedule on 19 October 2025. By completing the repairs in just a third of the originally planned time, the council saved £1 million and prevented an additional 12 weeks of disruption for local residents.

The joints on the River Lea Viaduct had deteriorated significantly, allowing water to seep through and creating a potential safety hazard for motorists while also risking further structural damage. Planning the repairs was complicated by the upcoming major scheme at Gilston and early traffic management proposals.

Initial assessments suggested that the work would require 18 weeks of night-time closures, costing around £2.3 million to minimise disruption. After revisiting the plan, Hertfordshire’s Highways Service devised a faster approach—implementing continuous 24-hour working over a six-week period—which ultimately cut the cost by £1 million.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, said:

“We’re constantly seeking efficient and affordable ways to maintain our roads and keep Hertfordshire moving. These viaduct joints needed urgent replacement. By working closely with contractors, our highways teams found a rapid and cost-effective solution that delivered major savings for taxpayers. The refurbishment improves safety, enhances the driving experience, and prolongs the life of infrastructure on one of our busiest routes.”

To make the most of the traffic management already in place, the project team also completed extra maintenance tasks, including resurfacing sections of the road, clearing the central reservation kerb, and refreshing road markings.