Sanders Lane opening
Barnet Council has reopened Sanders Lane, in Mill Hill, improving connectivity for local residents as well as improving safety and the environment.
The walkway had been closed since March 2023 after a structural defect was found that created an immediate safety risk. Efforts began on works to ensure residents living and travelling through the area could reuse the thoroughfare to help improve journey times, in particular to Mill Hill East underground station.
Following extensive investigations and based upon an expert engineering assessment, it was agreed to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new footpath at a lower level, within the natural landscaping of the area.
Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said:
“Sanders Lane is an incredibly important route for residents. Its reopening restores a safe, direct link to Mill Hill East station and removes the additional journey times many people have faced over the past three years.
“The new footpath has been designed to blend sensitively with the local environment, reduce long‑term maintenance needs and improve accessibility for all users, while ensuring the area remains safe and welcoming.”
The bridge was initially constructed in 1880 over the former Edgware, Highgate and London Railway tracks, linking Devonshire Road to Bittacy Hill and Mill Hill East station. In 1993, the bridge was closed to vehicle traffic, with only pedestrian access permitted across the bridge.
During the works, bird boxes were installed by the council’s contractors, Marlborough Highways, to provide a new protected habitat for wildlife, and the 10th Finchley Scottish Scouts have organised a litter picking day to take place in April. New lighting has also been installed.
Further landscaping of the area, including more planting, will take place in the coming Spring months.
You can read full details on the works here: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/roads-and-pavements/road-safety/sanders-lane-bridge-works