Kendal’s new £2 million Gooseholme Bridge will be officially opened next month.
People will be able to step across the footbridge on Friday, October 14 from noon, following an opening ceremony at 11am.
Cumbria County Council, working with contractor Story Contracting Ltd and a specialised project team, oversaw the installation of the 55-tonne structure in July.
The bridge spans 42 metres across the River Kent.
The £2 million project to construct the replacement footbridge was delivered by Cumbria County Council with funding partners the Environment Agency, South Lakeland District Council, and Sustrans.
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The bridge opening will be a significant milestone in reconnecting the local community with parts of Kendal and the park, it is an impressive new bridge structure which will last for many years to come.
“This single span bridge that will be fully accessible to all bridge users, providing shared access for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
“I would like to thank the Kendal community for their patience and support for this project, funding partners: the Environment Agency, South Lakeland District Council, and Sustrans, and also the team behind this work – Story Contracting, Adey and our project team at the county council.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of South Lakeland District Council, said: “South Lakeland District Council is delighted that the replacement Gooseholme footbridge is in place and will soon be open and once again linking the two popular common land areas at New Road and Gooseholme.
“This is a vital connection for the community, and we thought it so important that cabinet was very supportive of approving a contribution of £75,000 towards the project, using money from our Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which we target at supporting key infrastructure schemes.
“The design of the new bridge gives the added benefit of improved and traffic-free access and connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users – boosting sustainable transport choices and creating a more efficient transport network in Kendal.
“The project shows the benefits of authorities and agencies working together and I look forward to seeing the bridge being well-used for many decades to come.”
