Demolition of Kempston’s Queens Bridge started this week after engineers declared the timber footbridge unsafe following a structural inspection last summer.
Bedford Borough Council has warned locals that the bridge linking Queens Park and Kempston will be dismantled as part of an eight-week programme that started yesterday (Monday).
The council wrote to local residents and businesses earlier this month confirming the works and warning of temporary access restrictions around the site.
Read: Rot found years before Kemspton’s Queen’s Bridge closure as councillors trade blame
A letter dated 4 March said: ‘An inspection of the footbridge in August 2025 uncovered significant defects, and it was closed to the public. Based on the condition of the bridge and concerns regarding public safety the Council have decided to demolish the bridge.’
The demolition contractor will access the site via the lane from Ford End Road, with vehicle movements including deliveries of materials, machinery and a large crane to remove the structure.
During the works, the lane from Ford End Road to the bridge will be closed until 15 May.
Riverside footpaths approaching the bridge will also close between 13 April and 8 May while demolition takes place.
A signed diversion route will be put in place for pedestrians and cyclists while the bridge is dismantled.
Bedford Borough’s Conservative mayor, Tom Wootton, said removing the bridge would allow the council to move forward with plans for a replacement crossing.
“Safety must always come first, and once the scale of the problems with Queens Footbridge became clear, it was obvious we could not leave it in place – residents expect infrastructure that is safe and reliable,” he said.
“The removal of the old Queen’s Footbridge clears the way for a brand new bridge for residents.”
“We are pushing this project ahead at pace, working with ward councillors and other stakeholders to move the replacement forward as quickly as possible.”
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
