Temporary footbridge returns to Darley Abbey after safety work

Summarised from BBC Derbyshire's report · Updated 22 Oct, 21:38 · Archive

Walter's Walkway has been reinstalled in Derby after safety work on the original structure beneath it was completed ahead of schedule.

Walter's Walkway was installed in May 2022 after the original Darley Abbey Mills Bridge closed due to safety concerns. The temporary bridge itself closed in December 2025 due to fresh concerns about the 1930s structure underneath, and was lifted out in July to allow demolition of the original bridge.

The council reinforced the riverbank, installed new sheet piles and concrete abutments to provide a foundation for the temporary bridge. A 470-tonne crane has now repositioned Walter's Walkway over the river. The bridge is expected to reopen in mid-November after new ramps are installed and safety checks are completed.

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for transport, said the communities at the mills and in the village had been cut off for several months and that the bridge being replaced was a 'huge moment' for the area. The council is seeking funding for a new permanent bridge to replace Walter's Walkway.

Read the report

• Temporary footbridge returns to Darley AbbeyWalter's Walkway in Darley Abbey was closed in December and removed in July.BBC Derbyshire · 22 Oct, 16:44

In this story: Darley Abbey · Derby · Carmel Swan

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