Queens Bridge finally making progress
Planning permission for Queens Bridge replacement was approved at Planning Committee this week. The bridge has been out of action for well over a year. The new bridge will have a metal frame and sit on the foundations of the previous bridge.
It was on 8th October 2025 that Cllr Henry Vann asked the Council to bring forward available funding to replace this vital pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting Kempston and south Bedford with Queens Park and north Bedford. The lack of a bridge has affected people travelling to work, school, doctors’ surgeries, places of worship, and local shops, and it is sorely missed.
Cllr Jon Abbott, Chair of Planning Committee, commented on the application, “I absolutely support this replacement bridge. It is desperately needed, as it is a vital route between Kempston and Queens Park. The design is very attractive and echoes the previous bridge but is manufactured out of more durable materials. We look forward to having a connection between the two sides of the river for a long time to come. We wait with bated breath to see how quickly this bridge can be put up.”
Cllr Vann added: "This next step is great news - I would like to specifically praise the residents who raised urgent concerns and a petition calling for action. I hope that the delayed delivery of this important connection can be completed as soon as possible."