Latest news

Demolition of the original Darley Abbey Mills Bridge is complete - October update

Work is still ongoing at the site as we prepare for the reinstatement of Walters Walkway as soon as possible.

While the immediate danger posed by the bridge is now gone, the area still remains unsafe. Please continue to keep well away from the area and adhere to the following rules:

DO NOT bypass the safety fencing or enter the active construction site.
DO NOT enter the water near the former bridge site or the weir. This applies to swimmers as well as all watercraft, including boats, canoes, paddle boards and kayaks.

Security teams remain onsite 24/7 and the area will continue to be fenced and patrolled.

Darley Abbey Mills Bridge demolished - 10 October 2026

Good progress has been made on site, with all sheet piling works along the riverbank now complete. The placement of rock bags within the River Derwent has also been finished, meaning all planned in-river works have now been completed.

Work is still ongoing at the site as we prepare for the reinstatement of Walter's Walkway as soon as possible, helping to restore pedestrian access across the river.

Contractors will begin installing concrete piles to provide the foundations for the reinstatement of Walter's Walkway, alongside preparatory works. Works will also commence to topsoil and seed the riverbank as part of the site restoration programme.

Temporary path closure and parking restrictions

To allow crane operations to take place safely, the riverside path between South Avenue and Old Lane will be closed from Monday 19 October for approximately one week.

Temporary parking restrictions will also be in place on Old Lane and Church Lane during this period to accommodate large vehicle movements associated with the works.

We thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while these essential works are carried out.

Structure's condition has recently deteriorated significantly - 5 June 2026

The risk of collapse has significantly increased. Should this happen, the bridge would pose a severe risk to life to anyone on it or in the water around it and threatens vital local infrastructure, including Walters Walkway, the weir, and utilities. Consequently, 24/7 security will be stationed on the village (west) side of the bridge to ensure public safety and deter trespassers.

Statement on the future of Darley Abbey Bridge -12 February 2026

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, has provided an official update on the future of Darley Abbey bridge.

Read the full statement on our Newsroom.

Permanent river crossing at Darley Abbey moves a step closer

Derby City Council has now published a new Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for a new permanent river crossing at Darley Abbey Mills.

This pivotal document lays the groundwork for restoring crucial access to the Mills complex and is a major milestone in the project.

The SOBC has identified a viable solution with that would see a new structure built offering full-time access for active travel and emergency access for motor vehicles.

Erosion of the river bank next to Walter’s Walkway - 16 December 2025

Due to erosion of the river bank, access was closed to Darley Abbey Mills footbridge, known as Walter’s Walkway, on Friday 12 December 2025.

For current updates, read the Closure of Darley Abbey footbridge news article.

Regional funding boost for transport and highways

Transport and highways in Derby stand to benefit from £15.6 million of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

New proposals to maintain access to Darley Abbey Mills - 7 September 2023

Derby City Council is looking at proposals to keep bridge access to Darley Abbey Mills open. Cabinet will consider purchasing the temporary Walter’s Walkway, when it meets next week.

Works to begin on temporary footbridge for Darley Abbey Mills

On Monday 5 September 2022, work will get underway to put a temporary footbridge in place above the existing Darley Abbey Mills Bridge.

New images reveal temporary Darley Mills bridge - 27 July 2022

New images and timescales have been released for the installation of a temporary bridge at Darley Mills.

Temporary footbridge proposed for Darley Abbey Mills – 13 July 2022

A temporary replacement footbridge at Darley Abbey Mills could give access to pedestrians and cyclists and be delivered quickly, if approved by Cabinet.

Latest on closure of Darley Abbey toll bridge – 26 May 2022

An update on the ongoing efforts to resolve the closure of Darley Abbey Toll Bridge, which is in a dangerous state.

Emergency closure of Darley Abbey toll bridge – 12 May 2022

Darley Abbey Toll Bridge will be closed from 6.30am on Friday 13 May.