River closure planned for new bridge installation

The Waterside Bridge will provide a pedestrian and cycling link across the river

A section of the River Trent will be closed next week so the installation of a new bridge crossing can go ahead in Nottingham.

The 278ft-long (85m) Waterside Bridge is expected to be crane-lifted into place on Monday, weather depending.

It will be Nottingham's first river crossing built in more than 65 years, and will connect the Trent Basin development with Lady Bay in Rushcliffe.

If the installation is delayed because of poor weather, then it "might happen later in the week", Nottingham City Council said.

It will be the first river crossing in the city since the Clifton Bridge in 1958

The Waterside Bridge construction began at the start of 2025 after repeated delays.

It has been paid for using grant funding secured from the central government through the Transforming Cities Fund.

Councillor Linda Woodings, responsible for transport, described it as "an incredible engineering feat" and said visitors would be able to watch the lift in-person.

The authority has provided guidance on its recommended viewing points on the Transport Nottingham website.

It recommends that people go to the north side of the river, at the Trent Basin estate, because a large section of path on the south side of the river will be closed.

A parking permit scheme is in place on the estate itself, so visitors by vehicle are advised to walk over from the Racecourse Park & Ride.

'No mean feat'

Meanwhile the Canal & River Trust has advised boaters that it will expect to close the River Trent between Lady Bay Bridge and the Sailing Club Continuation.

This will happen on whichever day the lift takes place, a spokesperson confirmed.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the trust, said: "The new bridge will make it easier and more appealing for people to spend time by the river as they make their way in and out of the city.

"Lifting a bridge of this size is no mean feat and, while we're hoping all goes to plan, we ask boaters wanting to use the river to head to our website."