Barking railway footbridge reopens, ending three years of detours for local residents

"A dangerous footbridge in east London that had to be closed after someone fell through the floor onto the railway below has been replaced, three years after it closed. In August 2022, a pedestrian crossing the Kennedy Road footbridge near Barking station had to be taken to hospital with minor injuries after he fell onto the railway. The old footbridge was demolished shortly afterwards, but in doing so, it severed the only crossing over the railway in this part of town."

"The new structure, delivered by contractor Taziker, is a steel footbridge with stepped access, reflecting the layout of the original bridge. However, owing to the physical constraints of the surrounding area, ramps are not included in the design. After the foundations and stairs were prepared, the footbridge's main span was craned into position overnight early in December. The solid walls on the walkway are too high to peer over and watch the trains, although you can hold a camera up for a good view."

A dangerous footbridge in east London closed after a person fell through the floor onto the railway in August 2022 and suffered minor injuries. The old structure was demolished, removing the only crossing in that area and forcing eastern-side residents to add about 15 minutes to reach the large public park on the western side. Replacement work began in July 2025 and the new steel footbridge, delivered by contractor Taziker, opened just after Christmas. The design mirrors the original stepped access and omits ramps due to surrounding physical constraints. The main span was craned into place overnight in December, and the walkway has high solid walls though a camera can be held up for train views.

Read at ianVisits