Newport's new Footbridge and Cycle Bridge was lifted into position in May 2006. The tallest crane in the UK was used, arriving on 48 articulated lorries, to help lift the 70 m high (229 ft), 850 tonne footbridge.

Newport City Footbridge

It took approximately a week to assemble the main structure of the bridge. The footbridge spans the River Usk and forms a key part of the regeneration plans by allowing quick and easy access for pedestrians travelling from the east into the City Centre. The bridge features four crane-like masts, standing in pairs, which support the bridge from the west bank.

The forward mast is 80 m (262 ft) long and the back mast is 69 m (226 ft) long, but because of the angles at which the masts are positioned, the back mast is the tallest part of the structure above ground level. The deck is 5 m (16 ft) wide, 145 m (476 ft) long and 4.1 m (13.5 ft) above water at mean tide.

Contractors for the footbridge were Alfred McAlpine; the design team was led by Atkins special structures group, with architects Grimshaw providing the concept and design services. Newport-based Rowecord Engineering manufactured the footbridge.

The footbridge serves existing communities, the new developments and the rugby club and will create a direct access to the new shopping centre and the city’s commercial core.