The Peak District’s Cressbrook Mill footbridge has been shortlisted in the 2025 Bridges Award, thanks to its impressive sustainability credentials.

In total, 25,781 recycled plastic bottles were diverted from landfills and transformed into the Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) used to construct the bridge.

Given the Peak District’s unpredictable weather, the polymer was chosen for its durability, ensuring the bridge can withstand the harsh Yorkshire elements.

Matt Cain, contracts manager at R and C Williams – the engineering company awarded the contract for the bridge – said: “These bridges are rare – it’s just getting people to buy into the upfront cost, because compared to a steel or timber bridge, it’s double the price.

“But then, the use of FPC means you don’t have ongoing maintenance, so it’s about people being long-sighted enough to see the reduced costs in the future.”

The footbridge is expected to have a multi-generational lifespan of up to 120 years. In comparison, a steel bridge which would need significant maintenance after 25 years.

Its construction has also enabled walkers and climbers to access the Monsal Trail from Cressbrook for the first time in nearly five years, reconnecting people with one of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes.

The original bridge, built in the 1980s, was deemed structurally unsafe in 2020, having succumbed to corrosion and fallen into disrepair.

Several fundraising groups came together to raise the £190,000 needed to complete the project, including the Peak District National Park Authority and the British Mountaineering Council.

Now, the Cressbrook Footbridge has been shortlisted in the sustainability category at the 2025 Bridges Awards. This category celebrates innovation in reducing carbon emissions through bridge design, construction, and maintenance.

Mr Cain said: “We’re not a huge company, so to be shortlisted with some of your lager tier 1 contractors is great.

“I think we’re up against Transport for London in the sustainability category, so even to be shortlisted is great for us. Hopefully we take the award home.”

The bridge will go up against the River Lea Crossing Refurbishment for the title at the Bridges award ceremony on March 12th.