New footbridge at Hoo Junction

[eastwestdivide]

Just noticed there's a new footbridge at Shornemead Crossing/Hoo Junction, replacing the foot crossing. Is it open yet (I think I glimpsed scaffolding)? Does it offer photo opportunities for the yards?

 

[Freightmaster]

Just noticed there's a new footbridge at Shornemead Crossing/Hoo Junction, replacing the foot crossing. Is it open yet (I think I glimpsed scaffolding)? Does it offer photo opportunities for the yards?

Last estimate I heard for opening was 'end of august'



MARK

 

[eastwestdivide]

Ta. Will keep an eye open.

 

[SpannerWeilder]

Just bumping this to ask if it's definitely open now please?

 

[eastwestdivide]

The parish council newsletter of October said not, and they don‘t know why. PDF at

https://shorneparishcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2025/09/Parish-Matters-for-October-2025.pdf

 

[SpannerWeilder]

Parish Matters for December 2025 – Shorne Parish Council

shorneparishcouncil.org

The good news is that the footbridge will apparently open tomorrow (1st December).

I'd imagine there'll be some decent views, or at the very least some interesting traffic passing underneath. Might have to pay a visit with my camera when the evenings start getting a bit lighter (and warmer!)

 

[eastwestdivide]

when the evenings start getting a bit lighter (and warmer!)

It can be bleak out on those marshes!

 

[z444z]

Will the road crossing remain open with the footbridge as an alternative, or is the level crossing being closed completely?

 

[FR510]

Will the road crossing remain open with the footbridge as an alternative, or is the level crossing being closed completely?

I believe the level crossing has been closed for some time due to the level of misuse and near misses at that location.

The footbridge is replacing the level crossing to enable public right of way once again.

 

[bishdunster]

The parish council quotes "the long awaited stepped footbridge" sureley not in this day and age of disabled access, i also note that the opening was scheduled for today, did this happen?

 

[eastwestdivide]

in this day and age of disabled access

I guess it's permitted because the previous crossing wasn't wheelchair accessible, with really tight gates. As another example, there's a new footbridge near Hathersage with only steps as it's accessed across a field via stiles and gates that are impossible for wheelchairs.

And I think its days as a vehicle crossing are a very long time gone.

 

[zwk500]

The parish council quotes "the long awaited stepped footbridge" sureley not in this day and age of disabled access

Application decision letter is available here: https://docs.gravesham.gov.uk/Publi...wDocument?id=5FFC003BFECB4EEB940C7422909D8A57

Which contains the following bullet point:

Shorne Parish Council
[...]
The proposed design appears satisfactory at this time as a balance has been struck between provision of accessibility for people, including with bicycles, in line with historical use, while not providing easiest access to the marshes for unwanted motorbikes and other previous abusers of the crossing.

(the application letter also makes reference to previous applications being granted and the crossing has been closed for a very long time so there's a whole other question about why this has taken so long).

 

[Train Maniac]

Can confirm, the new footbridge at Hoo Junction is now open. Great location for spotting trains coming out of the yard!


(Image: 69 007 hauls a heavy engineers train out of Hoo Junction Yard bound for Eastliegh)

 

[zwk500]

Can confirm, the new footbridge at Hoo Junction is now open. Great location for spotting trains coming out of the yard!

View attachment 193271
(Image: 69 007 hauls a heavy engineers train out of Hoo Junction Yard bound for Eastliegh)

Is that 2 steps UP from the footbridge to the road level?

 

[Train Maniac]

Is that 2 steps UP from the footbridge to the road level?

Yeah, not entirely sure what thats about, Haha!