Dunbar Avenue culvert replacement scheme

The proposed scheme would replace the culvert deck beneath Dunbar Avenue, remove the longstanding weight restriction and restore the structure to modern highway loading standards.

Project overview

Dunbar Avenue Culvert carries the local highway over a watercourse and forms an important link within the local road network, providing access for residents, local businesses, service vehicles and emergency services.
The structure has been subject to a 7.5-tonne weight restriction for more than 20 years due to deterioration of the existing culvert deck. While the structure remains safe to use under the current restriction, continued deterioration could lead to further restrictions or eventual closure if improvements are not undertaken.

The proposed scheme will replace the existing culvert deck. This will restore the structure to 40-tonne highway loading standards, providing a long-term solution and improving the resilience of the local highway network.

Benefits of the scheme

The proposed works would:

• remove a weight restriction that has been in place for over 20 years
• restore access for service, delivery and emergency vehicles
• reduce the risk of future restrictions or road closure
• improve the reliability and resilience of the local highway network
• help reduce congestion on surrounding roads by maintaining an important local route, reducing diversion traffic and supporting the reliability of TfL Bus Route 50 on the adjoining Norbury Crescent
• reduce unnecessary vehicle diversions and associated emissions
• extend the service life of an important highway asset and reduce future maintenance requirements. 

Traffic assessments estimate that approximately 2,200 vehicles use Dunbar Avenue each day, and the route is commonly used as an alternative local route during busy periods to help relieve congestion on nearby roads.

Flood resilience

The culvert is located within Flood Zone 3. The replacement has been designed to maintain the existing watercourse capacity while improving the long-term resilience of the structure, helping to reduce the risk of future disruption during periods of heavy rainfall.

Project delivery

Subject to the necessary statutory consents, the Council will progress the detailed design before commencing construction. The works will be delivered through the Council's established highways delivery arrangements, with appropriate traffic management in place to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users. Further information on the construction programme will be published as the project progresses.

Funding

We have submitted an application to the DfT Structures Fund to help deliver this scheme. The funding application is currently being assessed by the Department for Transport, and a decision is expected following the assessment process. We will also provide a local contribution alongside the requested Government funding.