A26 BRIDGE OFFICIALLY OPENED

The 650,000 bridge was built following consultation with users of the South Downs National Trail and East Sussex County Council.

Trail users had found it increasingly difficult to cross the busy A26 trunk road running through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Highways Agency took note and has provided the bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and disabled people.

The location at Itford Farm, between Lewes and Newhaven, is ideal at the heart of the South Downs Way.

To blend in with the special status of the area, the Agency chose a wooden clad bridge on a steel deck frame using a shape to reflect the rolling hills of the surrounding Sussex Downland.

The bridge takes account of the needs of horse riders. For horses'safety, special wooden slats were incorporated into the surface of the bridge to provide sure footing when they move on and off the bridge.

A tried and tested steel frame construction technique was used which has the dual benefits of being both quick and economic to install, thus causing minimal disruption to road users along the route.

The rural wooden appearance and flowing contours of the bridleway bridge seamlessly blend with the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Ing Fischer project manager for the Highways Agency said:

"We are proud to open Itford Farm Bridleway Bridge in the rural splendour of the South Downs National Trail, which blends really well into the surrounding landscape. It provides a safe way for users of the South Downs Way, including the disabled, walkers, horse riders and cyclists to cross the A26."