Bedford’s Butterfly Bridge is closing in the new year for four months so long-awaited major refurbishment work can be carried out.
From 9 January, pedestrians and cyclists who use the bridge, which crosses the River Great Ouse between The Embankment and Longholme Island, will be diverted toward Newnham Bridge downstream.
Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough (Lib Dem), said, “These works mark further investment in The Embankment and Riverside and will be of huge benefit to residents and visitors alike.”
The river itself will also be closed to river users so work can be carried out safely.
Bedford Borough Council says they are closely liaising with the Bedford River Users Group to avoid river events as far as possible.
Works will include the grit blasting of the paint on the bridge and re-painting, as well as adding a new skid-resistant surface to the bridge’s walkway.
