As part of a £6 million restoration project, Midlands contractor, O’Brien Contractors, has signed its first contract with Chesterfield Canal Trust to deliver essential infrastructure works to the area.
Connecting the Trans Pennine Trail with the Arkwright Trail across the canal, the works will facilitate the delivery of a 38-metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge. The project will form part of the first stage of the Staveley canal restoration, funded by the government’s Levelling Up programme.
Works are due to start on site in April, with groundworks due to commence in May; the project will run for 20 weeks, with an opening ceremony planned for September.
Tony Mitchell, Director at O’Brien Contractors, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed by The Chesterfield Canal Trust to provide the new bridge at Staveley. This prestigious project will be a huge benefit to pedestrians and cyclists all over the region and the restoration of this historic route will benefit the community for many years to come.
“As O’Brien Contractors turns 65, we are more committed than ever to assisting our local communities in a long-term sustainable way. This project will not only create a safe and beautiful bridge for pedestrians and other trail users, but it will also benefit the local wildlife and biodiversity of the canal. We look forward to working with the Trust and their team over the course of this exciting project.”
Chesterfield Canal Trust Development Manager, George Rogers, said: “This is a big milestone for the Chesterfield Canal Trust, and we are delighted to appoint O’Brien Contractors to deliver this statement structure over the canal. Installing this bridge will open up the route for future restoration in multiple ways and I am looking forward to seeing it progress over the summer.”
