Replacement riverside footbridge is welcome, but wait is far too long

The confirmation from Network Rail that it will replace the riverside path footbridge it removed over the railway line near Prebend Street in Bedford is welcome, especially in light of its initial intention to provide no alternative to the existing underpass, which is prone to flooding and has a notoriously low height clearance of 4 feet 9 inches. The previous footbridge was removed as part of the Bedford element of the important Thameslink Programme improvements to allow for 12-carriage trains, and Network Rail's original approach was to claim that the existing underpass was sufficient for path users and no replacement crossing was required. We objected and after a process of negotiation it accepted our argument that this would represent a loss of a public right of way, and responded with plans to create a new path and underpass with a greater height clearance. Following survey works, Network Rail has now confirmed that they will construct a replacement footbridge instead, with visually striking spiral ramps on either side to ensure accessibility for all in what is a relatively tight space.

This is good news, as I say, but what is not so welcome is the timescale Network Rail have indicated for this project. It has said that it hopes to have the new bridge in place and open to the public in summer 2013. While I appreciate that the change in plans from a new underpass to a replacement bridge has caused some genuine delay, an opening date in summer would mean that path users will have been without a satisfactory alternative to the low, flood-prone underpass for nearly two years.

This is just not good enough. Every day which goes by without an alternative crossing in place is another day too many, and I will be pressing Network Rail to bring this crucial work forward and re-establish a full right of way on this important route along the river between Bedford and Kempston.