New footbridge opens in Nottingham

Our home city of Nottingham has just gained an eye‑catching new landmark, and it’s already making waves. A brand‑new cycle and pedestrian bridge has opened across the River Trent, linking Colwick Park on the north side with Lady Bay and West Bridgford to the south.

Built locally in Hucknall and costing £18 million, this isn’t just any bridge; it’s a major investment in how people move around the city and enjoy its green spaces. What makes it even more special? It’s the first new crossing over the Trent since 1958, which makes this a pretty big moment in Nottingham’s history.

The bridge itself is impressive too. At 87 metres (that’s 278 feet) long and weighing a hefty 175 tonnes, it didn’t exactly just slot into place. It was carefully lifted into position by crane on 10 November 2025, a job that required serious planning, precision, and a bit of nerve!

Of course, projects like this don’t just happen overnight. Behind the scenes, structural engineers have been hard at work from the very beginning. Their job isn’t just about making something look good (although this bridge definitely does) it’s about designing a structure that’s safe, durable, and can stand the test of time.

There’s a lot more to it than you might think. From figuring out the main structural components, to choosing the right materials, and planning how to transport huge sections of the bridge, every detail matters. Let’s not forget, all of this had to be done while spanning a river… just another day at the office for engineers.

The finishing touches have made a big difference too. Around 14,000 bricks were laid to create smooth ramped access and improve the surrounding landscape, making the bridge easy to use and visually appealing.

Now that it’s open, the bridge is set to make getting around the city even easier, while giving more people the option to walk or cycle. It’s a great step forward for sustainable travel and a brilliant addition to Nottingham’s growing network of green routes.