A three-tonne weight limit will be introduced over a Havering railway bridge - after an assessment by Network Rail.

To prevent heavy vehicles crossing the Heath Park Road/Victoria Road bridge - which carries traffic over the Upminster to Romford branch line - Havering Council will narrow the bridge to six feet six inches (two metres).

Manor Road will be closed at the junction of the railway bridge until from August 1 until further notice as width restrictions are not suitable.

Restriction work will begin on August 1.

Heath Park Road and Victoria Road will be completely closed to all traffic at the railway bridge for up to two weeks during works, paid for by the railway company.

Pedestrians will still be able to walk across the bridge.

The width restriction will effect the 370, 496, 649 and 650 bus route, which will be diverted via Brentwood Road.

Network Rail will shortly be undertaking a detailed structural inspection of the bridge to see if substantial strengthening works are required.

The weight restriction and traffic routes are likely to be in place for a significant time.

The council has written to residents in the area informing them of the work and is in regular contact with Network Rail, Transport for London (TfL) and the emergency services.

Cllr Barry Tebbutt, cabinet member for environment, said: “This work that we have to carry out for Network Rail is essential to protect the safety of the public. We are sorry for the disruption this will cause and don’t want to inconvenience residents and motorists any more than we have to. We will, of course, keep residents updated on Network Rail’s inspection results.”