Wilford Bridge to re-open after major make-over

11 February 2010

One of Nottingham's best-loved local landmarks is to reopen this Friday after undergoing a major repair and refurbishment programme.

Wilford Suspension Bridge, which was constructed more than 100 years ago to carry water pipes across the River Trent, and in more recent years has become popular as a crossing route for pedestrians and cyclists, was closed in July 2008.

Subsequent detailed structural surveys showed that a comprehensive programme of work was required to restore the bridge, and Severn Trent Water, the bridge owner, has spent £1.9m ensuring the structure is safe and ready for public use.

National Grid, whose gas pipeline is also carried by the bridge, and both Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County councils are all contributing towards the repair costs, and have agreed to help pay for ongoing maintenance costs. The bridge will officially be reopened at 12.30pm on Friday (12th Feb).

Earlier this week, the final touches were being put to the bridge works, including the removal of graffiti.

"We're pleased that at long last we can reopen the bridge," said Fraser Pithie, senior operations manager, Severn Trent Water. "We appreciate that it has been a frustrating wait for people, particularly with the delays we encountered when it became clear the repair work required was going to be even more comprehensive and costly than we had first envisaged.

"While the bridge isn't primarily intended for pedestrian use, we know it has become popular with the local community, and we're pleased to be able to once more offer the bridge as a crossing route for walkers and cyclists."

He added: "PEDALS, a local group of keen cyclists, has displayed an understandable interest in the bridge repairs as many of its members have regularly used the route. The group's chairman, Hugh McClintock, has agreed to perform the official opening ceremony for us, as it seems right that the local community should be involved in the occasion."