Walter’s Walkway has been successfully lifted and removed, exposing the original Darley Abbey Mills Bridge for the first time since October 2022.
Erosion around the riverbank had led to the emergency closure of the walkway in December 2025. Further rapid deterioration, identified in June 2025, prompted an emergency response from the Council.
With the bridge now removed, pre-demolition inspections can be carried out on the original structure, which remains extremely dangerous. It cannot support weight, and any attempt to cross it poses a severe and immediate risk to life.
Due to the unique layout of the area, preliminary works had to take place before a lift was possible. This included installing 28 6m sheet piles and backfilling with 250 tonnes of material to create a platform large enough for the 470-tonne crane.
This complex operation was carried out by contractors Cawarden, who lifted the walkway from the river and brought it to rest on Old Lane.
The urgent demolition work has been supported by funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority. Once complete, Walter’s Walkway will be reinstated, while work progresses on a permanent crossing.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:
Getting the Walter’s Walkway removed so quickly is no small feat. It is not easy to pull off in normal circumstances, let alone when responding to a dangerous situation. My thanks go to the teams at the Council and Cawarden for getting this turned around so quickly.
I understand the impact that the closure of the crossing has had on residents and businesses in Darley, particularly those close to the bridge. Thank you for your patience and for following the safety advice. Please be assured that we are working quickly to get Walter’s Walkway reinstated when it is safe to do so.
I cannot stress enough that this site remains incredibly dangerous. Our message remains clear: Do not attempt to access the bridge under any circumstances.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:
This is an important step forward for Darley Abbey, and I’m pleased to provide £5.1 million to support the urgent demolition work and the delivery of a permanent replacement bridge.
This is a significant investment in local infrastructure and in keeping communities connected. We will continue working closely with Derby City Council to help restore this vital route and secure a long-term crossing for Darley Abbey.
With the site still in a critical phase, we ask everyone to continue supporting our teams by keeping well away from the area and strictly adhering to the following rules:
- DO NOT attempt to access or cross the fragile original bridge under any circumstances.
- DO NOT bypass the safety fencing or enter the active construction site.
- DO NOT enter the water near the bridge or the weir. This applies to swimmers as well as all watercraft, including boats, canoes, paddle boards and kayaks.
Security teams remain on-site 24/7, and the area will continue to be fenced and patrolled.