Overview
Sanders Lane bridge was three a 3-span arch brick structure constructed in 1880. The structure carried Sanders Lane East over an old disused railway line. Historically, the bridge supported a single carriageway until 1993 when it was closed to vehicles with only pedestrian access permitted across the structure. Sanders Lane has long provided a direct pedestrian link between Devonshire Road, Bittacy Hill, and Mill Hill East station. When the historic bridge on the route was closed in 2023 due to structural failure, access was lost and residents were forced to take a longer diversion.
Marlborough Highways was appointed by Barnet Council to remove the unsafe structure and restore access between the surrounding neighbourhoods. The circa £1 million project delivered the demolition of Sanders Lane Bridge and construction of a new pedestrian route in its place with landscaping improvements and enhancements.
The approach
Marlborough secured the site and established a fully enclosed working area, allowing demolition and construction to progress without public access. Environmental surveys and vegetation clearance were completed ahead of construction, while utility diversions were coordinated with UKPN and other providers to prepare the site for demolition.
Working alongside County Building Services and Loughlin Civil Engineering, the existing bridge structure was dismantled and removed. Marlborough then constructed a new pedestrian route, creating a safer and more accessible route for residents. The completed works included drainage, lighting, and a new footpath surface, while a section of the original bridge structure was retained in situ as both a retaining feature and a reminder of the route’s history.
Client feedback
We appreciate the hard work and dedication of Marlborough Highways in delivering this key project for Barnet residents.
From the very beginning, Marlborough drove the project forward at pace, maintaining a smooth and collaborative approach throughout. Despite significant challenges, including utility diversions, adverse weather, and the demolition of a structurally failed historic bridge, the team managed the works professionally and effectively.
Marlborough’s proactive attitude, strong communication, and commitment to finding practical solutions were key to the success of this scheme.
The challenge
Barnet Council needed to replace the existing bridge with a solution that removed the structural risk while preserving access for pedestrians. Given the condition and age of the structure, repair was not considered a viable option following investigation.
The challenge was to reinstate the route without introducing another structure that would require long term maintenance. The bridge and in particular the area below the arches, had also become a focal point for anti-social behaviour, adding to concerns about the long-term future of the route. This led to the decision to remove the bridge and deliver a new pedestrian route at a lower level.
Utility services within the work area required careful coordination before demolition could begin with UKPN High Voltage service and a major pipe to be relocated. Marlborough also worked through prolonged periods of wet weather, which affected site activities and extended the programme.
The outcome
The route has now reopened, allowing residents to once again travel directly between Devonshire Road and Bittacy Hill. Access to Mill Hill East station has been reinstated, removing the extended journeys caused by the bridge closure. Replacing the bridge with a ground level route has also removed the structural issues identified during investigation works and reduced the need for future maintenance and intervention.
Beyond the physical improvements, the project delivered wider social and environmental benefits for residents and wildlife alike. The area is well attended by commuters and by dog-walkers and public enjoying the nature and wildlife.
In addition, Marlborough worked with the 10th Finchley Scouts on a bird box building initiative, providing a hands-on opportunity for young people to develop practical skills while contributing to the local environment. A total of 16 scouts took part in constructing bird boxes that will be installed along the route, creating new habitats for wildlife and helping to enhance biodiversity within the area. The group also took part in a community litter pick, removing two lorry loads of waste from the surrounding area.
In March 2026, Marlborough attended the reopening with Barnet Council, marking the return of a well-used route to the local community.
“One of the things I value most is their very collaborative and transparent team culture. It makes a big difference to have a contractor that wants to work closely with us and is supportive and responsive. With Marlborough, I get a team who are attentive, work collaboratively and honestly with me and don’t lose focus on delivering first class communications and compliance.”
“From the design stage, Marlborough has been fundamental in delivering the Broad Lane Square improvements scheme. During the works, not only did the team manage to keep to the programme, but they went the extra mile to ensure attention to detail and came up with innovative solutions to address issues encountered on site. My thanks on behalf of Haringey goes out to Marlborough for their dedication to deliver.”
“Working alongside our Term Service Contractor Marlborough Highways, we successfully completed renovations to the Crowstone Footbridge. The designs were provided by Marlborough, and the work was unique. The scheme was completed to budget and ahead of its programme duration.”
“I would like to thank you and your team for your efforts, the Marlborough crews were professional, courteous, and hard working all day and ensured the event went without a hitch. You and the team were a credit to the company, demonstrating commitment and support to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.”
“I just wanted to say what a pleasure it has been to work with Marlborough Highways over the last six months. The quality of work is superb, and there has been some excellent collaboration between Milestone and Marlborough to complete, what at times, has been quite a challenging scheme. I hope to work with Marlborough on another project in the near future.”
“Marlborough worked with us in constructing a 1.3km cycle track. There were a number of technical difficulties to overcome, and their gifted foreman worked to propose some innovative solutions to the challenges we faced. The result is a facility that the locals are proud of, providing walkers and cyclists with alternative access to the hospital and nearby school. The scheme was a lot of hard work, but well worth it.”
“Marlborough attracts people who take care and have pride in their work. Several gangs of Operatives worked tirelessly for six months to reconstruct drainage networks, lay more than 3km of high quality bespoke granite kerbs and granite channels blocks to ensure positive drainage. The technical compliance, attention to detail and level of quality finish along the entire carriageway was exceptional”.
“We saw huge benefits in appointing Marlborough as our full service contractor and we’re impressed – they’ve delivered consistent high quality service and superior quality control across every project. Marlborough, provide us with a ‘one-stop’ shop solution – we get the same quality of service and better control across all aspects of the project.”
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