Knightsford Bridge with a sand, gravel and stone lorry crossing it, in 1958, just before work began on the new footbridge and the demolision of this one. One of the photos below shows the difference in the water levels.

 

A great picture showing the suspension girders of the old Knightsford bridge, prior to its demolition. Also showing how the new footbridge was being built by using the old bridge as a base during the its construction; photo taken on the 6th September, 1958. Two work men can be seen fitting the mesh side railings.

Prior to the new bridge, traffic on the A44 had to pass through the centre of Knightwick which involved negotiating several sharp bends, and an existing weak bridge over the River Teme. The bridge was in a poor state and had a 7 ton weight limit imposed on it, causing overweight traffic to divert via unsuitable local roads. The older bridge was a cause of regular flooding in the area due to debris getting caught against it's central pier.
It is reported that buses were not permitted to cross the bridge with passengers on board. Passengers had to disembark prior to the bridge and walk over to meet the same bus on the other side.

A bypass of the village, including a new bridge was constructed in 1958 at a cost of £120,000, however was significantly delayed due to flooding during construction. Upon opening, the previous bridge was demolished and replaced by a more modern footbridge in the same location.

 

Old Knightsford bridge being used to support the building of the new footbridge, prior to demolition , photo taken on the 26th September, 1958.

A photo of a welder using an acetylene torch to remove the old Knightsford bridge girders, during its demolition and the building of the new footbridge; photo taken on the 26th September, 1958.

 ©peh