Bedford Borough Council has reached a significant milestone in the project to restore the river crossing between Queens Park and Kempston, following the formal approval to remove the existing Queens Bridge.
Following the approval of the capital business case by Full Council on 26 November 2025, the Council has progressed matters and moved swiftly to appoint a contractor for the demolition phase. An order has already been placed with Breheny Civil Engineering to dismantle and remove the 40-year-old timber structure to address the immediate Health and Safety concerns, and an application for the necessary permit was submitted to the Environment Agency on 15 December.
The decision to replace the bridge follows an emergency closure on 21 August 2025, after an intrusive inspection revealed critical decay and rot in the laminated timber arches, thereby compromising the structural integrity of the bridge. While the bridge, constructed in 1984 from Ekki hardwood, was regularly maintained, investigations confirmed that the internal deterioration was so advanced that repair was no longer a viable or safe option.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We know how vital this 70-metre crossing is for our local community, and I am pleased to report that we are moving forward exactly as promised. Since the Full Council approved the funding in late November, our teams have been working tirelessly with our partners to secure the necessary statutory permissions and obtain quotes for the bridge’s removal.
“Safety remains our absolute priority. While we work toward the construction of a new bridge next year, I must reiterate our plea to residents: please do not attempt to climb or cross the closed structure. It remains dangerous, and we have the official diversions in place to ensure everyone stays safe while we deliver this lasting solution”.
A draft programme for the demolition of the defective bridge and delivery of the new bridge was issued by Bedford Borough Council's Engineering Services on 21 December 2025, marking the beginning of the design and reconstruction phase. This will, however, be subject to statutory approvals and confirmation from third parties. The Council has regular monthly meetings with affected ward councillors to keep the community informed as the project progresses.
Until the new bridge is completed, residents are advised to continue using the official diversion routes via County Bridge and Prebend Street, which is approximately 800 metres (half a mile) away. There is also an unofficial, closer route via Britannia Footbridge, although this path is not council-owned or signed as a formal diversion.