The footbridge is part of a £550k programme of work to improve access, signage and extend the Nottingham 'Big Track' sustainable transport route between Nottingham and Beeston. The bridge was craned into position in April and works to open the bridge for public use are now complete. The project, which was funded by British Waterways, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and Greater Nottingham Partnership(GNP), was designed considering the needs of all canal users, ensuring a wide range of access requirements were met. The new bridge is double the width of the previous one and has reduced approach inclines making it more accessible for bikes, wheelchairs and pushchairs, as well as improving access for boat users to Castle Marina. The 'Big Track' is a green, traffic-free circular route around central Nottingham and forms part of Nottingham City Council's 'Big Wheel' initiative. The Big Track has been designed to encourage visitors to leave their cars at home, and walk or cycle into Nottingham city centre by the waterside. The new bridge will also allow more visitors to access the redeveloped Meadow Lane area, which is due to be completed this autumn. The works are part of the ongoing towpath improvements along the Nottingham Beeston Canal, which have taken place over the last five years.

I would have to say it was a great thing to have been done. The new cycle bridge by Castle Marina which opened in last year May has proved to be a great upgrade compared to the old narrower one. It has proved to be one of the many improvements in the Big Track route in the north bank of the Trent which is in fact nearby the riverpaths and the canal. Just by looking at the picture we feel a sense of beauty and cleanliness.

The bridge is a beautiful addition as the older one, the old one, was narrow to pass through. The part which is being built east of Trent, when completed, will link the Trent Lock with the Victoria Embankment making the over all development very attractive and thrilling.