Preliminary groundworks are beginning at Darley Abbey Mills Bridge today as part of emergency works to remove Walters Walkway and demolish the structurally compromised bridge.
Derby City Council said contractor Cawarden will begin the groundworks on Monday 15 June in preparation for sheet piling works.
The sheet piling is needed to safely bring in the crane required to remove Walters Walkway, but the council said the work will “inherently increase the risk” to the already compromised bridge structure.
The bridge has been closed after its condition deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, with warnings that any attempt to cross it could trigger a collapse and pose a severe and immediate risk to life.
The council has repeatedly urged people to keep away from the area after reports of individuals climbing safety fences and attempting to cross the bridge.
Over the weekend of June 7 and 8, one person became trapped on the gates and had to be rescued.
Cawarden has been on site since Monday 8 June carrying out preparatory works to remove Walters Walkway and demolish the original bridge. Teams have also been working on ways to temporarily stabilise the structures while the works take place.
Additional monitoring equipment has been installed ahead of the sheet piling works, and Cawarden has been working with utility companies to isolate services on Old Lane and at Darley Abbey Mills. The council said this work would not cause disruption to customers.
The Darley Abbey Mills end of Walters Walkway has also been more securely fastened to the abutment.
Derby City Council said the removal of Walters Walkway and the demolition of Mills Bridge are complex operations requiring careful planning.
The council is using emergency powers under the Building Act 1984 to take direct action to dismantle the structure and remove the danger to the public.
The authority said the risk of collapse has significantly increased and that, should the bridge fail, it would pose a severe risk to anyone on it or in the water nearby, as well as threatening local infrastructure including Walters Walkway, the weir and utilities.
Security has been stationed 24 hours a day on the village, or west, side of the bridge to deter trespassers and help protect the public. Temporary lighting has also been installed to give security teams a clearer view of the area.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said earlier this month: “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.”
The council said its “absolute priority” remains the safety of the public, colleagues and contractors, and that every precaution is being taken throughout the process.
People are being told:
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
The council added: “Please continue to support our teams by keeping well away from the area.”