No money has been allocated by Redbridge Council in its new roads investment programme for fixing a bridge in need of repair - a move described as "a scandal".
Broadmead Road Bridge in South Woodford closed after “extensive structural defects” were uncovered in 2023.
Labour officials have said it will cost £50m to fix the busy bridge, which is a bill the council cannot afford.
In the meantime, motorists and residents are forced to follow lengthy diversions around the borough.
But it was not included in the council's highways capital investment programme, which does include £4.2m in the next year for resurfacing roads and pavements across the borough.
A spokesperson for the council said it was “developing a funding strategy” for the bridge and “exploring all potential outcomes and funding sources to ensure we are ready to act”.
The authority’s progress has been criticised by Redbridge Conservatives leader Paul Canal, who called the bridge “perhaps the most urgent repair project in the borough”.
The Bridge ward councillor said: “The council’s failure to include Broadmead Road Bridge in its highways capital scheme is nothing short of a scandal.
“It’s not good enough for the council to say it can’t afford it – they have had years to plan and seek funding, but instead they’ve chosen to kick the can down the road while the situation worsens. This neglect puts safety at risk and betrays the public’s trust.”
The impact of the bridge's closure on residents, businesses and schools is understood by the council, its spokesperson told this paper.
They said the bridge scheme is being treated as a separate project, with an "options report" coming in weeks.
"We want to reassure local communities in Woodford that Broadmead Road Bridge remains a top priority, and we share their frustration.
“We have been intensively working to push central government for the funding that will be needed to repair or replace the bridge as required, and actively engaging the government, Department for Transport and Transport for London at various senior levels... to lobby them for urgent capital investment in this vital infrastructure.
"Repairing Broadmead Road Bridge and providing essential investment in our borough's road network are not mutually exclusive.
"The ten-year highways capital investment programme offers long-term investment in our vast network of roads to deliver vital safety and improvements, including fixing potholes and resurfacing our roads and footways, an issue that residents regularly raise as a priority.
“The programme also looks to improve road safety, street lighting and public safety and reduce flood risk to residents whose properties can suffer from flooding, which is vital to them and the council."
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