THE first sections of steelwork to create a new road link in the Lake District have been delivered to site.

Their arrival forms the next major milestone for the multi-million pound project to create a new permanent crossing at Pooley Bridge, connecting villagers to Glenridding at the south of Ullswater and beyond.

During the coming weeks, the replacement bridge - which will be the first stainless steel road bridge of its kind in the country - will start to take shape.

The structure is being fabricated in four separate quarter sections, at a factory in Lancashire, and the first two sections have now been transported to the village.

They will be assembled on site by the banks of the river Eamont.

The process is estimated to take 13,000 hours to fabricate.

A spokesman from the county council described the project as an ‘exciting time’ for residents and visitors to Pooley Bridge, who will be able to see the new bridge being built.

The final completed structure will be craned into position over the river later this year.

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:“I’m delighted the first sections of steelwork for the replacement bridge at Pooley Bridge have safely arrived on site. “This is a significant milestone for the project and work can now start on assembling the new structure on the ground. Local people and visitors will now be able to see the bridge start taking shape over the coming weeks."

“Pooley Bridge is very much open for business throughout construction and I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding.”

Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd is the principal contractor for the project. The new bridge is due to be completed in the spring.