The new £4.2 million pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Erewash Canal in Long Eaton has officially been named West Park Bridge ahead of its opening in mid-September.
The name reflects the crossing’s role in linking Long Eaton town centre with West Park.
Residents were invited to suggest names for the bridge before a shortlist was drawn up and put to a vote by members of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board.
Other suggestions included names referring to Long Eaton’s lacemaking history, which is reflected in the design of the bridge. Its balustrade features a floral pattern inspired by wedding lace produced at Harrington Mill, while its red handrails represent the thread traditionally used to identify a repair in lace.
The curved bridge, which includes a large steel arch, replaces the former Broad Street crossing known locally as the Green Bridge.
The previous metal structure had been in place for almost a century and was approaching the end of its working life. Its low clearance also meant people using the canal towpath had to duck beneath it.
Construction of West Park Bridge and a new waterfront beside the canal has cost £4.2 million. The work is being funded through the Government’s £25 million Long Eaton Town Deal regeneration programme.
The waterfront is intended to provide a new public space alongside the canal, including an area capable of hosting events.
West Park Bridge is one of two new pedestrian and cycle crossings built over the Erewash Canal through the Town Deal.
A separate £2.1 million bridge at Britannia Mills opened in June. That crossing connects the Canal Street area and new housing at the former mill site with the canal towpath, reducing a previous diversion of around one mile.
The West Park crossing was closed in November 2025 before the old bridge was dismantled in March this year. Pedestrians have been diverted via Derby Road while construction has taken place.
Erewash Borough Council leader Councillor James Dawson said the design addressed the difficult location and removed the low clearance problem associated with the former bridge.
Richard Ledger, chairman of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “We had a lot of great suggestions for names but in the end it was clear that most people wanted something plain and simple – so West Park Bridge it is.”
The wider Town Deal programme also includes a £10 million refurbishment of Long Eaton town centre, improvements at West Park and the conversion of former stables behind the town hall into business premises.
