New M20 East Street footbridge to be lifted into place

The original East Street Bridge, which spanned the M20, a key route between the Channel ports and the M25, was demolished after it collapsed when struck by a HGV in August 2016.

The new 16 metre-long (53 feet) bridge for cyclists and pedestrians is being lifted into place over the weekend starting Friday 27 November, and is set to open on Monday morning. A new pedestrian access ramp on the southern side of the bridge will also be fitted at the same time. The bridge platform which weighs over 53 tonnes has been manufactured by SH Structures in North Yorkshire.

It is being transported in two pieces. Both sections measure 8.5 metres (28 feet) and 7.6 metres (25 feet) and will be joined together in the air and lifted into place as one. The bridge platform will be transported from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire to site in Kent.

Peter Philips, Highways England route manager, said:

“It’s great news for the local community that the bridge will soon be back open. We expect the bridge to be open on Monday morning, which will be a huge relief to cyclists and pedestrians in particular.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get this bridge open again and the local communities for their patience.”

There will be a full weekend closure of the M20 in both directions between junctions 3 and 4 from 8pm on Friday 27 November to 6am on to Monday 30 November 2020. The eastbound M26 will also be closed at junction 2a for the installation of the footbridge deck across the M20.

We provide live traffic information via our website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available at @HighwaysSEAST

Read more about the M20 Replacement of East Street Footbridge scheme