Mayor ‘pleased’ to reinstallation of vital bridge connection in Derby

Walter’s Walkway is back over the River Derwent – connecting the communities at Darley Village and Darley Abbey Mills.

Four months ahead of schedule, contractors Cawarden have lifted the bridge into a place using a 470-tonne crane – backed by funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), led by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.

Mayor Claire said: “Walter’s Walkway is an important connection in Darley Abbey, so it’s great to see it back in place four months ahead of schedule.

“I know how frustrating the closure has been for local people. We’ve helped fund the urgent work to get the walkway back in place, as well as supporting plans for a new permanent bridge.

“It’s a good example of what we can achieve when EMCCA and the council work together, with local knowledge and regional funding helping to get things moving. I’m pleased we’ve been able to support Darley Abbey through this and help get this connection restored.”

The prefabricated structure was initially closed in December 2025 due to safety concerns with the 1930s bridge structure below.

Demolition of this structure, and the reinstatement of Walter’s Walkway was due to be complete by February 2027, however further rapid deterioration, identified in June 2026, prompted an emergency response from Derby City Council.

In July 2026, the walkway was lifted from the river entirely, to allow for the complete demolition of the original bridge, followed by reinforcement of the riverbank, ready to welcome Walter’s Walkway back.

The urgent demolition work has been supported by funding from EMCCA.

Bridge is ‘huge moment’ for communities

Councillor Carmel Swan, Derby City Council cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability and member for Darley Ward, said: “My thanks to the teams at the council and Cawarden for their hard work in returning the bridge safely and well ahead of schedule.

“This is a huge moment for the communities at the Mills and in the Village who have been cut off for several months. I’m delighted that we’ve now been able to restore this vital connection.

“Thank you to everyone for your patience throughout this complex situation. With Walter’s Walkway back in place, we can now focus on delivering a new permanent bridge for Darley Abbey.”