Sections of new River Trent bridge arrive on site

The bridge will be the first constructed over the river in 65 years

Sections of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge which will be constructed over the River Trent in Nottinghamshire have arrived on site.

The Waterside bridge, which will link the Trent Basin area of Nottingham and Lady Bay in Rushcliffe, is due to be lifted into place in November by "one of the biggest cranes in the world".

The government-funded project has faced delays and increased costs, but it is due to open in spring 2026.

Once complete, the 85m-long structure will be the first new river crossing built in the city since 1958, when Clifton Bridge was erected.

Linda Woodings, executive member for regional development, growth and transport at Nottingham City Council, said: "It will be a safe route for cyclists, walkers and runners to get across the River Trent without going across Lady Bay or Trent Bridge, which can get congested.

"The exciting part happens in November when one of the biggest cranes in the world is going to lift the bridge into place.

"The crane has to be transported in small pieces and that will take shape as well.

"Then they have to fix it into place, finish off the connecting ramps on either side of the river and put the protective paint on all of the joints."

The bridge was constructed in Hucknall by Briton Fabricators, where it became a "landmark" for a short time.

The project has cost £18m in total and the government's Transforming Cities Fund covered the increase in costs.

"Covid was a major factor in the middle of the construction project, and in the meantime, the costs of construction and materials have increased," Woodings added.

"I certainly hope by the end of May we will be able to get straight over from the waterside to Lady Bay."

'Long time coming'

Residents living nearby said they were excited for the bridge to arrive.

Retiree Ann Spencer, 78, said: "I'm a cyclist and I will be able to get across to West Bridgford down to Holme Pierrepont without having to go through the industrial estate.

"It will bring Rushcliffe and Nottingham together."

Picture framer Tracy Neale said she chose her home partly based on the bridge plans.

"It hasn't been as disruptive as we expected and the noise is not bad at all," she said.

"We're pleased to see it happening, it has been a long time coming.

"Crossing Lady Bay bridge is really dangerous to get to West Bridgford.

"It's on my doorstep and it's been quite exiting to watch it. We're fascinated by the huge crane."

Retiree Candida Brudenell added: "I live locally and I think the whole community is really excited. It has been promised for a long time and there have been lots of hurdles along the way.

"The progress in the past week has been phenomenal."

Nottingham City Council previously closed the footpath along the riverside between Lady Bay Bridge and the path to the play park to make way for the works.

"For safety reasons that path will stay closed for the foreseeable future until it is safe to reopen," Woodings said.