The 87metre, 175tonne bridge was lifted into place by a huge crawler crane
On Monday 10 November – Nottingham’s brand-new footbridge was lifted into place over the river Trent following months of careful planning.
The bridge was lifted into place by a huge CC6800 crawler crane which rose 75metres into the sky. This crane arrived onsite in sections last week and was carefully erected using other cranes. This morning the crane lifted the bridge from its supports and began slowly moving into position to swing the bridge over the Trent.
The huge weight of the bridge meant that the crane was counterbalanced and sat on a specially built tracks designed to carry its weight. It successfully lifted the bridge onto its new abutments following a carefully choreographed lift plan arranged by Balfour Beatty, Mammooet and Briton Fabricators Ltd.
Now, Nottingham’s skyline has a new landmark, however there is still more work to do to install, ramps, steps and walkways and a smaller bridge over Trent Basin as well as to add landscaping and planting around the area. The bridge is set to open in late Spring 2026.
Once completed, the new walking and cycling bridge will form an important part of Nottingham’s active travel network – enabling new connections and routes that will be especially useful for sports fans and those wanting to take advantage of amenities on both sides of the river.
The bridge will be the flagship, and final project to come out of the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 following a successful bid for over £160million of central Government funding for projects which encourage inter-city connectivity and lower carbon journeys.
Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a big milestone moment for our project to build a new walking and cycling bridge over the river Trent – it was thrilling to be at the riverside and see the new bridge land on its supports just as planned. I want to say a huge thank you to all the many people involved and I know I speak for everyone locally when I say that I can’t wait to try it out come spring.”
Sunil Karra, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We’re extremely proud to have safely and successfully completed this major milestone today, with the new 175 tonne bridge now in position across the River Trent. This complex bridge lift was made possible through detailed planning and close collaboration with our project partners and the Council.
“We now look forward to completing the remaining works, and connecting communities on both sides of the river.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Wellbeing, ICT & Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “It is good to see another major step towards the opening of the bridge that will create more connectivity for residents on both sides of the river for further opportunities to travel in a more sustainable way.
“Creating this new link for cyclists and pedestrians will create easier access to nearby open spaces in Lady Bay and West Bridgford and our local sports grounds and leisure facilities, encouraging more people to make lower carbon journeys.”
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted to see this fantastic new bridge being constructed over the Trent. It’s a real testament to partnership working and will play a key role in connecting our communities, supporting active travel and making it easier for everyone to get around the area—whether on foot or by bike. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for residents and visitors alike.”
