Work to rebuild historic bridge deemed 'unsafe' nears completion |
Construction on the New Mills Yard Bridge, which has been closed for more than a year, is set to be finished by the end of March.
More than 10 building contractors were working at the site, which crosses the River Wensum, on March 5.
Workmen are at the site (Image: Denise Bradley)
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Norfolk County Council was granted permission by City Hall to renovate the structure in November 2024.
Jody Thurston from Norfolk County Council stated the bridge, which connects Westwick Street to the Riverside Walk, "presents a safety hazard if left open or unsecured".
The £750,000 upgrade, which began in November last year, was due to be finished by January.
Work is almost complete at the New Mills Yard Bridge in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)
Access to the eastern side of New Mills Yard and the Riverside Walk has been temporarily restricted during the work.
Pedestrians and cyclists are being diverted via St Crispins Road, Oak Street and Coslany Street.
County Hall officials say all efforts will be made to reopen the route as soon as possible.
New Mills Yard is a former watermill complex that forms the head of navigation, the furthest point upstream that boats can reach on the River Wensum.
The bridge, originally built in 1898, has a gate and a ladder, which are being preserved solely for their heritage and aesthetic value.
It is located next to a grade II listed pumping station, constructed in 1897 as part of engineering works for the new Norwich sewage system.
The pumping station (Image: Archant)
This has been shut since 1972 following the installation of new sewage works at Whitlingham.
Several years ago, plans to restore the pump station to working order were put forward, but they were withdrawn in 2019.