Transport & Environment Cmte convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson has confirmed that re-establishing an operational footbridge at Powderhall remains the Council’s high priority. However, this could take until 2028.
In answer to questions today from Cllr Jack Caldwell (Ward 12, Item 10.9) at August’s full meeting of the City Council, Jenkinson made clear that, while officials continue to interpret the extent of the structural report, it is highly likely that a ‘full bridge replacement’ will be needed.
This would require additional funding. Establishing a budget and procuring a new bridge would take months. The successful contractor would then take further months to manufacture and install the bridge.
If funding is not available until the new financial year (starting in April 2027), a new working footbridge is unlikely to open before early 2028.
The next immediate step is for officials to establish approximate costs and identify funding. They will then provide the T&E Cmte with a written outline of timetable, design, construction and installation to allow budget setting and allocation for 2027/2028.
Local opinion
So far as the Spurtle is aware, local opinion is divided.
- Some accept that closure of the Powderhall Footbridge is a regrettable but unavoidable measure. They accept the expert opinion of a qualified engineer that the structure is unsound, and support the Council's decision to err on the side of caution by restricting access.
- Some say that, whilst the footbridge may need to be replaced, temporary reinforcement could restore this important route until partial repairs or full removal/construction work begin.
- Some question why the Council is taking such drastic action based on the judgement of a single engineering report. Why has no second independent opinion been sought? Why was no risk analysis undertaken on the bridge's condition?
- Some criticise the Council's poor communication around the problem, its failure to provide a waymarked diversion, and the continuing lack of an obvious plan for repair.
- Some irritably allege that the Council has now spent more on emergency blocking of the bridge (see image below) than it did on maintenance for the past few years.
For past coverage of this story, see Breaking news (25 June 2026; Issue 364;
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Editor: According to the website amiable.org.uk, the Flowerdale Bridge collapsed in November 1981 following 'severe storms accompanied by torrential rain'. The remains of the original bridge's stone arch can be seen below the temporary metal structure.
