Covid outbreak at sub-contractors delays new footbridge at Bedford

The planned installation of a new footbridge at Manton Lane - which was due to take place this month - has been delayed until January due to an outbreak of Covid-19 at a sub-contractors facility.

The footbridge installation will now take place between 6pm on Friday, January 22 and 6am on Monday, January 25. The road will be closed with a signed diversion.

Due to the disruption this closure will cause to bus services - with three stops unable to be served by the number 6 bus - the council will be providing a free shuttle bus service between Manton Lane/Brickhill Drive, via Gainsborough Rise and Turner Way, to the bus station.

Cllr Charles Royden, portfolio holder for highways, said: “It is unfortunate that the installation of this footbridge will have to be delayed - but it is of course right that the sub-contractors follow the measures they have to, to keep their staff and the public safe.

“The former bridge was demolished over a decade ago, and we have seen the impact that this has had on traffic in the area. Once installed in late January, this footbridge will make it easier for pedestrians to cross this busy road, improve road safety and ease congestion in this area.”

There have been works ongoing at the traffic hotspot, with the road widened and traffic signals installed earlier this year.

Finishing works including surfacing and final fencing elements will take place in late December to finish on Saturday 2 January, ahead of the bridge being installed.