A new £500,000 bridge is to officially open in leeds.

The 23-metre structure, which will link the Trans Pennine Trail with Temple Newsam, will officially opened on Thursday, 27 April.

The new Skelton Bridge provides a walking and cycling route across the Lower Aire Valley. Registered cycling charity Sustrans was responsible for the design and installation of the 'Warren Truss' foot/ cycle bridge and will provide ongoing maintenance of the bridge for 40 years.


Cllr Richard Lewis said: "This much awaited bridge provides a missing link in the cycle network on the east side of Leeds, extending the existing Wykebeck Way and part of the City’s Core Cycle Network. Improving access for cyclists is a key priority for the council and this new bridge at Skelton Lake will mean cyclists and walkers on the Trans Pennine trail can now cross the River Aire and will eventually link new residential and commercial developments in the area with the rest of the city."

Rosslyn Colderley, England Director North at Sustrans, said: "We're really delighted to open Skelton Bridge today. It provides a missing link over the river with great potential for the development of cycling and walking routes into the city centre, connecting homes, workplaces and leisure destinations."

(LM)