Replacement Blyth Bridge, in Halesworth, opens after previous crossing was shut due to safety concerns

Residents in Halesworth can enjoy a new footbridge after the previous crossing was closed by structural engineers due to safety concerns.

Blyth Bridge, also known as White Bridge, was built by Suffolk Highways and officially opened on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Construction of the new bridge began in autumn, but its completion was pushed back several times, including when the site was flooded after Storm Darragh in December.

Highways had to relocate water voles, a threatened species, away from the area and remove Himalayan Balsam, an invasive species of weed, from the site.

Cllr Paul West, cabinet member for operational highways, said: “Blyth Bridge is of great importance to the local community and a range of stakeholders with an interest in the structure, such as the Millennium Green Trust, Halesworth Town Council, East Suffolk Council and the Environment Agency.

“As well as providing a footpath between the Millennium Green, a much-loved parcel of community land spanning over 55 acres, the bridge is also used by the Trust as an access route for the machinery required to maintain the green, such as essential mowing equipment.

“Suffolk Highways and its contractor has worked tirelessly to complete construction in challenging circumstances.

“I would like to thank all those involved in the works for delivering a fantastic bridge which will bring benefits to those enjoying Suffolk’s beautiful green space for many years to come.”

Blyth Bridge is the latest infrastructure project completed by Highways.

Last month, it opened another footbridge in Bardwell.