Otley replacement footbridge works gets underway with new 4D animation video

Works to replace Otley's deteriorating pedestrian footway have begun in earnest.

This week the council’s specialist contractor Balfour Beatty will set up the site and works compound, preparing for ground works for the installation of a temporary footbridge.

The council are also sharing a new 4D animation video which explains how the works to install the temporary footbridge and the installation of the old footway will take place. The video helps explain the construction stages, including diversion of Northern Powergrid lines and supporting existing telecom connections across the river, as the old footway is taken away.

The 10-minute video shows the full project starting with the site set up, location of the compound and works to prepare the site for the temporary footbridge. In the next section, it can be seen how the temporary bridge will be installed, along with how the old walkway will be taken down. Finally, it explains how the new walkway is attached to the ancient bridge, with the removal of the temporary bridge and works site.

The updated schedule of works is as follows:

• March - set up compound
• April - start installing temporary footbridge
• June - temporary bridge open
• June to October - old footway removed and replaced
• October - temporary bridge removed 

All dates are dependent on the weather and river conditions, and subject to the condition of the Otley Bridge, once the existing footway has been removed.

Mill Lane will be closed for vehicles from Bridge Street to Manor Street for the majority of the works, but a short diversion will maintain access to Manor Street and the continuation of Mill Lane. Pedestrian and vehicle access to Adlington House will be maintained. Occasionally, Otley Bridge will see some traffic management during nights and possibly two weekend closures during major lifting operations. Details are still being worked out and residents will be notified well in advance.

Over the duration of the scheme the council will look to regularly engage and update residents about progress. Like last summer, residents and businesses will be able to speak to the project team at the Otley Community Hub on Nelson Street, starting 10am – 11am on Tuesday 11 March and 1pm – 3pm on Friday 14 March. Thereafter, the team will be present on Tuesdays and Fridays at these times, which may be adjusted in response to demand.

Discussions with Otley Boat Hire are taking place to understand the impacts of them operating this summer.

The council has offered to work with the Wharfedale Men’s Shed – a local charity to donate to them part of the oak tree trunk. They are planning a community project which offers people the opportunity to get involved in potentially crafting park benches for Otley.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“We are getting on with replacing the old footway on Otley Bridge for pedestrian safety. Today we have launched a 4D animation time lapse video explaining each stage of the works. We hope this goes someway to help residents understand some of the complexities of the project, as we essentially build two new footways in a short period of time, to maintain pedestrian access across the river.

“Vital work like this always involves some disruption and we will continue our best efforts to minimise any of this as much as possible. However, I know that it will still be inconvenient for people, and I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience so far whilst we do this urgent work.

“We will also continue to keep residents regularly updated as the works progress and work closely with our contractor over the months ahead, with an expected completion of the temporary bridge in spring and access to the new Otley footbridge in the autumn.”

More information about the Otley Bridge project, including frequently asked questions and details of all the options explored by the council, can be found at: Have Your Say Today - Otley Bridge - Commonplace. Subject to the weather, the scheme is anticipated to be completed during autumn 2025.