Walking and Cycling Project.The dramatic structure in Long Eaton features a sweeping curve and will form part of an entire new waterfront – where the footway and cycle crossing is poised to become an iconic landmark.
It boasts a soaring arch, the construction of which can be viewed in this video.
The bridge at Broad Street replaces a tired old metal one that was dismantled as it neared the end of its lifespan – and which was built so low that for almost a century towpath users needed to duck under it.
Erewash Borough Council’s leader Cllr James Dawson said: “The new bridge across the Erewash Canal will be a truly magnificent connection to West Park – and its imaginative design not only makes the most of what is a challenging location but means no-one risks banging their heads.
“Funding for the structure has come from Government regeneration investment as part of Long Eaton’s £25million Town Deal – which is money the council battled to clinch for local people. It is only fitting that the people themselves should get a chance to name it.”
People have until 11.59pm on Sunday 19 July to submit names for the bridge here:
Name the new bridge at Broad Street Long Eaton | Let's Talk Erewash.
The previous foot crossing was affectionately referred to as the Green Bridge. The new one’s name should ideally reflect Long Eaton’s heritage, according to local businessman Richard Ledger, who chairs the Town Deal Board. He said: “I can well imagine that we get a lot of jokey suggestions along the lines of ‘Bridgey McBridgeface’, but we are seeking a name that will proudly stand the test of time while paying tribute to our town’s rich history.”
He pointed to Long Eaton’s lacemaking industry as a possible inspiration. Elements of the bridge will reflect this. A floral design in the balustrade will echo the kind of wedding lace that Harrington Mill was famed for. Handrails will be red like the thread used in lacemaking to highlight a repair – signifying how the bridge stitches together the two sides of the canal.
Another suggestion could be The Dame Laura Knight Bridge – in honour of the acclaimed Long Eaton-born painter who blazed a trail for women artists in the 20th century. A trail dedicated to the late Dame Laura – celebrated for her iconic wartime imagery – forms part of a huge revamp to the centre of town that is currently taking place thanks to the Town Deal. Click here to find out more about her: Laura Knight: She Won an Olympic Medal in Painting
The best names will be shortlisted by a panel. Members of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board will then hold a vote ahead of the bridge’s official opening, which is scheduled for this autumn.
Among those at the opening of the Britannia Mills Bridge was Erewash’s leader Cllr James Dawson. He said: “While the Broad Street bridge is replacing a structure that was nearing the end of its lifespan, the crossing here near Canal Street has been built where no bridge stood before. It will be a tremendous time-saver for local people.” Local businessman Richard Ledger, who chairs the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “There are more than 100 new affordable homes at Britannia Mills, which was an old lace-making complex. The now thriving community there will be overjoyed at the bridge halving the previous mile-long distance between canal crossings.”
Long Eaton High Street Project.
