Busy roads on Essex border to shut for months after man fell through bridge

The last bridge was removed after a pedestrian fell through it in 2022.

Several roads on the Essex border will be shut later this summer causing potential delays as a new bridge is built over a railway. Residents and drivers of Barking will be encouraged to plan around the closures which will begin in July this year.

The new pedestrian footbridge is being built at Kennedy Road from late July by contractors Taziker. The new structure will be a steel footbridge with stepped access, reflecting the layout of the original bridge. Owing to the physical constraints of the surrounding area, ramps are not included in the design.

The previous bridge was removed following a serious safety incident in 2022, when a member of the public fell through it. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured. Since then, there has been no direct pedestrian link between Harrow Road and Kennedy Road. The new structure will reinstate this connection.

Construction is expected to continue through the summer, with completion anticipated this autumn, subject to progress on site. While works are in progress, road closures will be in place on parts of Harrow Road and Kennedy Road. Diversion routes for vehicles will be clearly signposted, and pedestrian access will be fully maintained, with a traffic marshal on site to safely support those travelling on foot.

Katie Frost, route director for Network Rail Anglia, said: "I know how difficult it’s been for people not being able to cross the railway at Kennedy Road, but it’s not long now before this vital local connection is restored.

"Our teams are working hard to prepare for construction, and we’re committed to delivering a safe and long term replacement footbridge with as little disruption as possible. Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding during what I know has been a frustrating time.”