A stunning timelapse video has shown a huge 60 tonne bridge being installed over the River Derwent to Matlock Sewage Treatment Works - part of a £20m Severn Trent investment in the town.

The incredible feat of engineering saw a huge crane erected to pick up the 120ft-long bridge and lay it safely across the water to the site.

The complex operation followed three years of hard work and planning but took only two hours to complete – and a timelapse video showed all the action in just seconds.

The bridge is part of a major upgrade to Matlock Sewage Treatment Works, which will boost site capacity and help improve the health of the River Derwent by cutting spills and reducing phosphates in the treatment process.

Customers are being invited to hear more during a special Matlock Week from 13^th April where Severn Trent staff will talk through the plans and listen to feedback. Visitors can also enjoy a free photography exhibition celebrating the area’s rich water heritage.

Severn Trent lead project manager Chris Toone co-ordinated the bridge installation scheme, with specialist company Beaver Bridges.

The dad of two, who lives in Matlock, said: “This project has taken three years to deliver, so seeing the bridge finally installed was a career highlight.

“The former bridge was decades old with weight restrictions on it, so needed replacing to allow the investment plans at the sewage treatment works.  We worked really closely with town councillors on all the proposals to ensure we kept within the existing site, minimised disruption and helped protect the environment.

“My background is Civil Engineering but I’ve never been involved in building a bridge before, but this was a team effort involving many people across the business, plus Beaver Bridges.”

Susanna Taylor is Severn Trent project manager for the Sewage Treatment Works upgrade.  She said: “Removing phosphates is a major part of the scheme, as it will have a positive impact on the quality of the River Derwent - hugely important to local people and Severn Trent.

“Other upgrades include increasing capacity across the site to serve future generations, including a new storm tank that will help reduce spills. Overall, the investment will ensure we have an updated and improved sewer network for future generations.”

Susanna , who is studying part-time for a construction engineering master’s degree at Cambridge University, said: “I see how stunning Matlock is when I drive into work. We wanted to ensure the investment did not impact on this beautiful environment and do our bit to help keep the River Derwent in tip-top condition.”

Matlock Week will see community events held at the Town Council’s Imperial Rooms. As well as asking questions and giving feedback, visitors can also enjoy a free photography exhibition showcasing Matlock’s incredible water heritage.

The town began as a tiny hamlet but grew into a major tourist destination in Victorian times, with nearby Matlock Bath becoming famous for its hydrothera hydrotherapy treatments, supplied from natural springs. Famous visitors included a future Queen Victorian and Lord Byron, with the poet dubbing the area ‘Little Switzerland’ because of the surrounding limestone hills. 

Former Severn Trent apprentice Chris added: “I’ve lived in Matlock all my life, so know how important the River Derwent is for local people, including canoeists and local angling clubs.

“We’ve already held consultations with those groups but would welcome more feedback during Matlock Week – we are here to listen.”

Richard Hinckley, Beaver Bridges Business Director, said: “We are extremely pleased with the successful delivery of the bridge and look forward to continuing our support on similar projects in the future.”

Matlock Week events:

• Monday 13^th April: Customer drop-in from 1pm to 5.30pm in Derwent Room at Matlock Town Council, Imperial Road, DE4 3NL.
• Tuesday 14^th April: Customer drop-in from 10am to 1pm in Riber Room, plus pop-up at Sainsbury’s from 2pm to 5pm.
• Wednesday 15^th April: Customer drop-in at Matlock Market, 9am to 3pm.
• Thursday 16^th April: Business drop-in at Riber Room, 4pm to 6.30pm.
• Friday 17^th April: Business drop-in at Riber Room, 9am to 12pm.