15 April 2026
Kennedy Footbridge has provided a crossing over the railway between Barking and Dagenham Dock since the 1950s, linking the Eastbury and Gascoigne Wards.
For decades it enabled safe passage between Kennedy Road and Blake Avenue/Harrow Road and was an essential community route within the Parish of St Patrick, Barking.
Over time, despite monitoring by residents and Network Rail, the bridge’s ageing structure deteriorated. In August 2022, the bridge collapsed, and it was immediately closed and demolished, leaving the community without a direct crossing.
The loss was felt by the parish, which spans both sides of the line. The Revd Chris Bolster, then Vicar of St Patrick’s, Barking, played a key role in campaigning for a replacement, supported by Cllr Alison Cormack and churchwarden, Marion Hull. Although Chris moved from the parish in 2024, the campaign continued.
Network Rail announced that construction of a new footbridge would begin in July 2025. The steel replacement, designed to reflect the original structure, was completed in December 2025.
As the bridge reopened, St Patrick’s, Barking, welcomed a new chapter with the arrival of the Revd Sade Barnes as Vicar. On 8 April 2026, the community gathered for a celebration and blessing of the new Kennedy Footbridge, led by the Rt Revd Lynne Cullens, the Bishop of Barking, with local councillors, the MP for Barking, and Network Rail representatives in attendance.
The Revd Sade Barnes said:
“We were delighted to invite Bishop Lynne to bless The Kennedy Footbridge. A bridge connects communities, and I hope our community will remain united, continuing to support each other and look out for one another.”
The Rt Revd Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking, added:
“In my years of ministry, this was the first time I have ever been invited to bless a footbridge, and it was a real joy. The Kennedy Footbridge represents connection and community spirit. It’s a vital link for the parish of St Patrick’s Barking and it will serve the local community safely for generations to come.”
The service not only marked the reopening of the bridge but also celebrated the dedication and determination of the local community, who worked together to make it happen.
This article is taken from the latest edition of WePray.
