Media centre

Monday 23 Jun 2025

New Kennedy Road railway footbridge installation to begin this summer

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Construction of a new pedestrian footbridge at Kennedy Road in Barking is scheduled to begin in late July this year.

The project is being delivered by specialist contractor Taziker, who bring extensive experience in removing and installing bridges across the rail network. 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. Diversionary 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.”