They are largely hidden at high tide, with only the shallow arched truss appearing above the water line, while at low tide, the more steeply cruved abutments are revealed to reveal a new bridge with the profile of a three centred arch. The sense of lightness and transparency found in the bridge truss is echoed in the balustrade of the deck and in the abutment railings. The parapet of the abutments follow the precedent of the existing quay wall, by stepping down the granite stonework in semi-circular sweeps to allow views through to the river and the new bridge. The slotted aluminium deck is supported off a series of secondary ribs running between the cross members. These are integral with the top booms of the truss and continue upwards to provide supports for the balustrade and bronze-clad leaning rail.
Concealed lighting makes the footbridge a place of safety as well as an object of beauty at night.
Side-emitting fibre optic lights run within the leaning rails, along the sides of the deck and in a broken line along the centre of the deck itself.