Southend’s Queensway footbridge demolished amid safety concerns & regeneration debate

The footbridge over the busy Queensway road in Southend has now been removed, marking a major and symbolic milestone in the long-planned ‘Better Queensway’ redevelopment project.

It spanned the major road between the Chiltern tower block and the Essex Street car park. The removal of the concrete structure follows months of preparatory work and required a specialist crane, with contractors also carrying out tree removal as part of the current roadworks phase.

The bridge’s demolition signals the physical start of changes that will ultimately reshape one of the city’s busiest and most debated transport corridors.

For many residents, the bridge had become synonymous with safety concerns. Over the years, it was linked to a number of tragic suicide incidents, with campaigners and families calling for it to be removed as a result.

19-year-old Chris Nota tragically died in July 2020 after falling from the bridge.

The bridge was fully closed to pedestrians in March 2022, after another unidentified person also died after falling from the bridge in February 2022.

Speaking about the long-awaited removal of the bridge, the leader of Southend City Council, Daniel Cowan, said: “It has been a complex project to arrange as the bridge required a specialist crane and the wait time for booking it has been extended incredibly long. This removal is not just long-overdue and welcomed by the community, but symbolic of the regeneration that has been promised for so long and is finally starting to take shape.”

The Better Queensway project aims to transform the area from a vehicle-dominated route into a new urban neighbourhood, with plans for new homes, improved public spaces and safer pedestrian routes at street level. Supporters argue the scheme will reconnect communities that have long been divided by the road layout, while also modernising an area many see as outdated.

However, the project remains controversial. Critics fear that removing grade-separated crossings and altering traffic flows will worsen congestion and create long-term disruption before the promised benefits are realised. Some residents have also questioned whether the underpass and bridge could have been improved rather than removed entirely.

Local reactions to the bridge’s removal reflect those mixed emotions.

Lisa Calkin said: “It must be a relief and a sad reminder to those who have lost their loved ones from a dark place on that bridge, my thoughts are with those today.”

Nathan Murray added: “The whole area will clog up more in the future now, due to the removal of the underpass. Ridiculous decision to fill it in!”

Others are more positive about the changes. Anita Russ said: “This really needs doing. That bridge was horrible and a suicide magnet and literally nobody ever walked through that underpass even in daylight let alone at night. I won’t miss playing car roulette trying to cross the road here. I mean obviously there’ll be disruption for a few weeks but it will be so much better.”

The removal of the bridge is just one early step in a multi-year redevelopment, with further roadworks and construction expected as the project progresses.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Support is available whether you are in crisis or simply need someone to talk to. The Samaritans offer free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999. You can also speak to your GP, or contact local mental health services for further support.

Photos by El Trevo.