A new footbridge on a popular walking route near Stone has been lifted into place, with Staffordshire County Council saying the footpath remains on course to reopen later this month.
The bridge is being installed on Sandon and Burston Public Footpath 36, replacing the previous structure after it was damaged by a fallen tree.
Over recent weeks, council engineers have built new foundations for the bridge, created a temporary access road for installation equipment, assembled the new structure and lifted it into position.
With the main structure now in place, work will continue over the next couple of weeks to install steps and handrails. Crews will also remove the temporary access road and make good the surrounding ground.
The council says the affected section of Footpath 36 should reopen during August, provided weather conditions remain favourable.
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said
“The new bridge already looks fantastic and I’m really looking forward to seeing the footpath reopen once everything is complete. It’ll be great to see people enjoying this popular route again.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience while our engineers work hard to finish the project. In the meantime, please continue to respect the path closures and stay behind the barriers, which are there for everyone’s safety.”
The section of Footpath 36 between the River Trent and Burston Lane remains closed while the work is completed.
Staffordshire County Council says additional measures have also been needed to secure the site after people attempted to enter the construction area to get a closer look at the bridge.
Walkers are being reminded not to move barriers or enter the closed section of the footpath until the work is complete.
