Bedford Borough Council announced the emergency closure of Queens Bridge, a vital foot and cycle crossing over the River Great Ouse between Queens Park and Kempston, on Thursday, 21 August 2025. The bridge, constructed in 1985 using Ekki hardwood, was designed with an expected service life of 45 to 55 years, depending on maintenance and environmental conditions. The bridge was approaching the end of its serviceable life, and options were already being considered for is partial or full replacement in the next three years.
The bridge has benefited from a visual inspection every two years, where defects were recorded. These defects were then monitored, regarding their severity and extent. Routine maintenance activity has included the cleaning of the timber and treatment with preservative. In addition, frequent repairs have been made to the timber parapets and decking in recent years.
A detailed inspection on 21 August 2025 revealed significant and unexpected decay and rot in the timber arches supporting the central span, particularly around the critical joint areas. This decay was uncovered only after intrusive investigation and poses a risk of partial collapse, leading to the immediate closure of the bridge to ensure public safety.
The Council is currently exploring multiple options to reopen the crossing, with a full report due to be presented to the Council early in October.
The current official diversion is to use County Bridge and Prebend Street, 800 metres, or half a mile, away. While the Britannia Footbridge is closer, these footpaths have not been officially adopted by the Council and so cannot be included in the formal diversion. Following feedback from residents, the current signage for the diversions will be reviewed and improved where possible.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “The safety of our residents and visitors is our utmost priority. Closing Queens Bridge was an essential decision based on the unexpected structural defects found. We are committed to finding the best long-term solution. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work swiftly to restore safe access.”