Work to replace a railway bridge near Hackney Downs will see two roads closed for almost the whole of next year.

Network Rail is reconstructing part of the bridge at the junction of Downs Park Road and Bodney Road and it will be blocked off from January until December. A pedestrian diversion will be created to allow access to the roads.

The project will be done in five phases and the firm said it is working closely with the town hall and the Peabody Trust, which runs the Pembury Estate, to minimise impact on neighbours.

Network Rail say it “is a vital aspect” of its strategy to provide a “safe and reliable efficient railway”.

Two drop-in sessions will be held in December, but the dates are not yet confirmed.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are renewing the bridge in order to keep train services running safely and reliably.

“We understand the inconvenience of closing this junction and would like to thank residents for their patience while the work is carried out.”