Motorists face misery after Network Rail announced Crouch Hill Bridge will close for 10 weeks.

Plans to increase the height of the bridge over the Gospel Oak to Barking railway line will see it close from February 19 until April 30 as engineers create extra space for overhead lines underneath.

The road bridge will be closed to all traffic between Trinder Road and Japan Crescent. It will re-open to traffic from May 1 with temporary traffic lights.

Network Rail’s routes chief Meliha Duymaz said: “This work is crucial in order to run a safe and reliable service on this newly electrified line. I would like to thank everyone concerned for their patience while this essential work takes place.”

Diversions will direct northbound traffic by Stapleton Hall Road and Ferme Park Road. Southbound traffic will be sent along Crouch Hill End and Hanley Road.

Bus services will also be affected by the diversions.

Network Rail said access from the north and south to the properties located on Crouch Hill will be maintained throughout while the pavement near Crouch Hill main station entrance stays open for pedestrians.

Pedestrian and cycle access is available to cross the bridge, however cyclists will need to dismount and wheel cycles across.

The ramp for people with reduced mobility, motorised scooters, wheelchairs users and prams or pushchairs stays in place.

London Overground’s Gospel Oak to Barking line reopened on January 15 following the installation of new overhead electric lines, which will enable longer electric trains to run from spring this year.

Network Rail says the whole line will close between 7 - 8 April during the work.

The following arrangements will be in place for bus services:

If travelling towards Muswell Hill, the W7 bus will travel via Hanley Road. Then onto Hornsey Road, Hornsey Rise, Crouch End Hill and The Broadway. The bus will then take its usual route.

If travelling towards Finsbury Park, the W7 bus from The Broadway at Crouch End will travel via Crouch End Hill. Then follow Hornsey Rise, Hornsey Road, turn left at Hanley Street and right at Stroud Green Road. The bus will then return to its usual route.

Bus routes 210 and W3 will not be diverted during the road bridge closure. But Network Rail said passengers may experience traffic delays using these services.