Exactly two decades past that date, the South Wales Argus documented the commencement of construction on a new pedestrian crossing spanning the River Usk in Newport.

A lifting device was erected at the River Usk footbridge location on April 30, 2006

The 850-tonne bridge framework was due to be assembled that week, with Britain’s most powerful lifting equipment being deployed for the operation. On that date, one of the steel towers intended to support the structure was slated for installation.

The rear tower, with a mass of 180 tonnes, was raised into position by the enormous lifting machine, with the larger front tower, weighing 280 tonnes, being positioned the following day.

Janette Sorley, the project manager overseeing the bridge construction team, shared her enthusiasm for the scheme. Ms Sorley, representing construction company Alfred McAlpine, commented that it was satisfying to witness all their efforts materialising into something tangible, noting that after two years of meticulous preparation, everything had come together cohesively.

A craftsman applies paint to components of the future crossing on April 29, 2006

The preceding week, the massive Sarens lifting equipment, designated for the hoisting work, reached Newport having been transported on 48 separate lorries. The machinery arrived in approximately 300 individual sections. The equipment’s boom stretched to 108 metres in length and could not function during gusty conditions.

Following the positioning of the steel towers, the platform, comprising five distinct sections, was scheduled for assembly. Ms Sorley outlined that the crossing would be constructed radiating from its centre. Rising to 70 metres in height, the structure stood nearly 17 metres higher than Nelson’s Column and only four metres lower than Newport’s Transporter Bridge. The platform spanned a distance equivalent to 17 double-decker buses placed end to end, while the safety railings incorporated almost three kilometres of stainless steel cabling.

The pedestrian crossing held its official opening ceremony on September 12, 2006, and received the designation City of Newport Footbridge. It measures 230 feet in height with a crossing span of 476 feet. The inauguration was graced by the then-N Newport mayor Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi and the then-Assembly Minister Andrew Davies. Councillor Al-Nuaimi remarked that it represented a splendid new connection in their series of bridges, expressing confidence that it would bring the city and its communities together while also symbolising their regeneration efforts.

The then-leader of Newport City Council Bob Bright labelled the occasion a landmark moment, whilst Ewan Jones, an architect native to Newport, expressed considerable pride in constructing something in his hometown, particularly a structure destined to become such a notable landmark.

The concept was selected by readers of the Argus, and lead design engineer Dominic Pask observed that the appearance simply resembled a crane, and they believed it would prove highly fitting.

Ian Hope from Rowecord, the Newport business responsible for the bridge’s fabrication, noted his belief that it would serve as an excellent central feature.

Sarah Jane Davies, the project manager representing the Assembly, disclosed a distinctive element crafted to benefit local wildlife, explaining that otter pawprints had been observed on the river’s eastern bank, and the Countryside Council for Wales had requested they establish a safe passage, so a small shelf was installed beneath the structure for their benefit.

Hundreds of residents joined the inaugural crossing, including learners from Maindee and St Woolos primaries, who gathered at the midpoint as celebratory balloons took flight.

Maindee primary pupil Rhys Plaster, aged 11, enthused that it was a truly wonderful celebration, adding that he felt very enthusiastic and found the bridge’s appearance fascinating.

St Woolos pupil Rachel Gray, aged six, mentioned that she had experienced some apprehension traversing the crossing but considered it truly wonderful, noting its considerable size.