Footbridge officially reopens after safety work
Just now
George Torr
and
Charlie Sayers
,
Derby
A temporary footbridge in Derby has been officially reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Walter's Walkway was installed on top of Darley Abbey Mills Bridge after it closed in May 2022 due to safety concerns.
However the prefabricated bridge was itself closed in December 2025 due to fresh concerns about the 1930s structure underneath, before being lifted out in July to allow the original bridge to be demolished.
Walter's Walkway has been put back in place by a 470-tonne crane last month and and has now reopened following the installation of new ramps and the completion of safety checks.
Darley ward councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for transport, said: "It's a really exciting day.
"There's so many people here today talking about the difference it makes to their lives and for local people, its felt like they've been cut off from this side of the village.
"So many people use this for a circular walk so it's great to see it back."
In July, the walkway was completely removed from the river to enable the full demolition of the original bridge.
Work then began to strengthen the riverbank, with new sheet piling installed and the area behind it filled in.
The scheme also involved constructing new concrete abutments to create a solid foundation for Walter's Walkway, Derby City Council said.
The local authority said the project was completed four months ahead of schedule due to extra funding support from the East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority.
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