Demolition Timeline and Safety Measures
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has announced that the closed pedestrian bridge connecting Lower Castle Fields car park to the Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground will be removed this week. The structure has reached the end of its serviceable life and was shut earlier this year after structural inspections deemed it unsafe for public use.
The removal operation is scheduled to run from Tuesday 21 July to Friday 24 July 2026. A crane will be utilised to lift the bridge out in sections before it is dismantled and transported away for disposal.
To facilitate the works safely, several temporary changes will be implemented:
- The lower section of the Lower Castle Fields car park will be closed, reducing the total number of available parking spaces.
- Strict exclusion zones will be enforced on both sides of the riverbank.
- Clearly signed pedestrian diversions will be active throughout the week.
Visitors can still access the Racecourse Sportsground by using the alternative footbridge located near Tonbridge Swimming Pool.
Safety Priority and Historical Context
The bridge was originally installed in 1994 as a temporary structure during the construction of Tonbridge Swimming Pool. Recent routine inspections and independent structural assessments revealed ongoing deterioration, including a heavily corroded subframe and movement in the bridge abutments.
While engineers note that the risk of an immediate collapse is low, removing the footbridge now ensures the operation can be managed safely before the structural integrity declines further.
Councillor Des Keers, Cabinet Member for Community Services, stated:
“Removing the bridge is necessary to protect the public and users of the river. We will work with our contractor to complete the operation safely and with as little disruption as possible.”
Future Assessment and Replacement Options
Following the successful removal of the framework, council engineers will conduct a thorough examination of the remaining supporting structures. This assessment will allow the council to determine the full extent of the required work and calculate accurate cost estimates.
At present, no definitive decision has been made regarding a permanent replacement. Any formal proposals for a new crossing will be presented to councillors for consideration once the structural investigations and financial estimates are finalised.
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