Friday October 23, 2026
Yesterday (22 October 2026), Cawarden successfully reinstated Walter’s Walkway over the River Derwent, marking a major milestone in this complex emergency project and bringing the communities of Darley Village and Darley Abbey Mills one step closer to being reconnected. The bridge was lifted back into place using a 470-tonne crane, four months ahead of programme.
The successful reinstatement follows the bridge’s removal in July 2026, when Cawarden delivered a carefully planned lift operation that saw Walter’s Walkway safely lifted clear of the river in just 12 minutes from lift-off to landing. The operation enabled the careful demolition of the ageing structure beneath, followed by riverbank strengthening works, the installation of new foundations and a series of engineering improvements to support the bridge’s safe return.
Delivered within a constrained riverside environment and adjacent to the Darley Abbey Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project required specialist lifting operations, bespoke engineering solutions and carefully planned marine methodologies to protect the surrounding environment and heritage setting while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
The project was delivered in close collaboration with Derby City Council, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the Environment Agency, archaeologists, heritage specialists and Cawarden’s specialist supply chain and consultant partners, helping to ensure the works were completed safely and sensitively within this unique riverside and heritage setting.
The return of Walter’s Walkway is a significant milestone for the project and a proud achievement for everyone involved.
From the successful removal of the bridge over the summer through to yesterday’s reinstatement, our team has worked closely with project partners to safely deliver a complex programme of demolition, engineering and infrastructure works.
While the engineering challenge has been considerable, the real significance of this project lies in reconnecting communities. Walter’s Walkway is an important link between Darley Village and Darley Abbey Mills, connecting people, businesses, heritage assets and green spaces.
We’d like to thank Derby City Council, the East Midlands Combined County Authority, our specialist supply chain and consultant partners and everyone who has contributed to reaching this important milestone. We’d also like to thank local residents, businesses and walkway users for their patience and understanding throughout the works. We look forward to seeing the bridge reopen and this valued community connection restored.”
MALCOLM LOWES
DEMOLITION DIRECTOR – CAWARDEN
The walkway is expected to reopen to the public in mid-November following the installation of new ramps and the completion of final safety checks. Once open, it will restore an important route across the River Derwent for local residents and visitors.
The successful removal, enabling works and reinstatement of Walter’s Walkway demonstrates Cawarden’s ability to deliver complex engineering projects in sensitive environments, combining specialist expertise, carefully planned methodologies and collaborative working to achieve positive outcomes for communities.