The 96 tonne, 60.2 metre long Navvies Bridge in Workington, Cumbria, has officially opened.

Capita Symonds designed and project managed the construction of the £1.7 million bridge which replaces the original precast footbridge that was damaged beyond repair in the 2009 floods.

The new access point will be of great benefit to local people, providing valuable connections to neighbouring communities.

Cumbria County Council Chairman John Woolley cut the ribbon along with cabinet member for highways Cllr Tony Markley and representatives from Sustrans. Local school children and a cyclist from Sustrans were the first to cross the bridge.

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Cllr Tony Markley said: "I'd like to thank the local people, not only for their co-operation and feedback in the consultation process, but also for their patience as this highly anticipated bridge has been constructed. The people of Workington told us they wanted a new bridge that would be attractive to look at from the surrounding open areas and I believe that we have given them that. The £1.06m funding from Cumbria County Council has been a significant factor in being able to drive this project forward, and without this funding this new high quality structure simply would not exist."

(CD)