Last updated - Friday 19 June at 3:15pm
Our contractors, Cawarden, have completed sheet piling works ahead of schedule. This has successfully stabilised the ground quicker than planned, meaning a heavy crane will be arriving on-site shortly to begin the delicate process of removing Walter’s Walkway ahead of the main bridge demolition.
The bridge itself remains in a structurally compromised state and is at a high risk of collapse. Despite these dangers, we are still seeing individuals forcing entry to try and cross, endangering their lives.
With warm weather expected, we urge you to please act responsibly, respect the site teams, and do not be tempted to cool off in the river.
Please strictly adhere to the following rules:
- DO NOT force your way onto the bridge or try to climb the gates under any circumstances.
- DO NOT bypass the safety fencing or enter the active work site.
- DO NOT enter the water near the bridge or the weir
Friday 12 June at 3pm
Our contractor, Cawarden, will begin preliminary groundworks on Monday 15 June in preparation for sheet piling works. These are necessary to safely bring in the crane required to remove Walters Walkway but will inherently increase the risk to the already compromised bridge structure.
Our absolute priority remains the safety of the public, our colleagues, and our contractors, and every precaution is being taken to protect everyone involved throughout this process.
Please continue to support our teams by keeping well away from the area.
- DO NOT force your way onto the bridge under any circumstances
- DO NOT bypass the safety fencing or enter the site
- DO NOT enter the water near the bridge or the weir
Wednesday 10 June at 3pm
The bridge continues to be in a highly dangerous and structurally compromised state. Any attempt to cross it could trigger a collapse, posing a severe and immediate risk to life.
Our contractor, Cawarden, is working with utility companies to isolate services on Old Lane and the Darley Abbey Mills. This vital work will not cause disruption to customers.
Additional monitoring equipment is also being installed in advance of sheet piling works starting. The sheet piling will enable the contractor to safely bring in a crane to remove Walters Walkway. The Darley Abbey Mills end of the walkway has now been more securely fastened to the abutment.
The removal of Walters Walkway and the ultimate demolition of the Mills Bridge are complex operations and require meticulous planning. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure this work is carried out with the highest standards of safety to protect the public, colleagues and contractors and secure the site while these works are underway.
We are grateful for the cooperation of the vast majority of the community and we ask people to continue to adhere to these rules:
- DO NOT force your way onto the bridge under any circumstances
- DO NOT bypass the safety fencing or enter the site
- DO NOT enter the water near the bridge or the weir
Please continue to support our teams by keeping well away from the area.
Monday 8 June
Despite explicit warnings, several individuals chose to endanger their own lives, and the lives of others, over the weekend by climbing safety fences and attempting to cross the bridge. This irresponsible behaviour resulted in an incident where an individual became trapped on the gates and had to be rescued.
The site remains highly dangerous. The bridge is structurally compromised, and any attempt to cross it could trigger a catastrophic collapse, posing a severe and immediate risk to life.
Demolition contractors Cawarden are now on-site (Monday 8 June) to begin preparatory works to remove Walters Walkway and demolish the original bridge. Teams are also actively working on ways to temporarily stabilise the structures while this work takes place.
Our absolute priority is protecting the community and local infrastructure. We appreciate the cooperation of the vast majority of residents, and we urge everyone to strictly adhere to the following rules:
- DO NOT force your way onto the bridge under any circumstances
- DO NOT bypass the safety fencing or enter the site
- DO NOT enter the water near the bridge or the weir
Please continue to support our teams by keeping well away from the area.
Wednesday 3 June
Members of the public are being urged to stay away from Darley Abbey Mills Bridge.
Over recent weeks, the structure's condition has deteriorated significantly. Despite this hazard, an increasing number of people have been forcing access to the fenced-off site.
The risk of collapse has significantly increased. Should this happen, the bridge would pose a severe risk to life to anyone on it or in the water around it and threatens vital local infrastructure, including Walters Walkway, the weir, and utilities. Consequently, 24/7 security will be stationed on the village (west) side of the bridge to ensure public safety and deter trespassers. Temporary lighting has also been installed to give security teams a clearer view of the area.
The deterioration in condition means that Derby City Council will now use emergency powers under the Building Act 1984 to take swift, direct action to dismantle the structure and remove the danger to the public.
Removing Walters Walkway and dismantling Mills Bridge is an extremely complicated operation. The Council is working with partners to expedite the project as much as possible given the risk the bridge poses. There are, however, significant logistical challenges, such as having sufficient space and hard foundation to locate a crane, that need to be overcome.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:
I know the closure is frustrating, but the bridge is in a critical and dangerous state and we need your support. We cannot stress enough how important it is that people stay away. It is deeply concerning that some are still forcing access to the site.
The site remains closed and dangerous.
Our focus right now is protecting the community and the local infrastructure. We are using emergency powers and 24/7 security for one reason: to keep people safe. Please, do not take unnecessary risks, stay clear of the site, don’t force access to the bridge under any circumstances and do not go in the water in the vicinity of the bridge or the weir.
I appreciate all your support whilst we work to resolve the immediate danger.