AFTER months spent preparing the footings, the team behind Exeter's new pedestrian and cycling bridge has begun assembling the structure.

The 100-metre arch bridge at Redhayes is the first new major piece of infrastructure improving connections to the group of developments in the Exeter and East Devon New Growth Point, and represents a £3.75 million investment.

Site assembly of the main structure is now getting under way and the seven main sections of the bridge, which were constructed off site, have been brought to Redhayes over the past week.

They are being pieced together on temporary heavy-duty trestles next to the M5, so that the bridge span will be ready to be craned into place in the new year.

The project, which will link cycle and walking routes in Exeter to the Exeter Science Park and other developments, had been due to be completed by November but was hit by a number of problems.

As reported in the Echo, a revised timetable was drawn up and the entire £4.2m scheme, including improvements to transport infrastructure, is now on track for completion in March next year.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said he was delighted to see the structure taking shape.

"The scheme as a whole is progressing well and the assembly of the bridge on site is a major step forward," he said.

"I'm sure there will a lot of interest now as this incredible structure really starts to take shape. It will be quite a sight as this landmark bridge is pieced together and it will represent our commitment to supporting local business and the local economy as well as reducing congestion and promoting green transport.

Devon County Council secured a grant from the Government's Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) to provide a package of highway improvements including the bridge, a toucan crossing on Cumberland Way to connect the new route from the bridge to the Exeter Cycle Network and the first part of a new link road through the Exeter Science Park.

Peter Bowden, Devon county councillor for Broadclyst and Whimple, said: "I am pleased that both national and local government and the business world have come together to provide the fundamental infrastructure that is so important for our future."

Consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff has designed and is supervising the works and contractor Carillion Civil Engineering is carrying out the bridge construction.

It is hoped the science park will play a key role in helping to diversify and reinforce the economy of the area.

When completed, the park will offer new facilities to encourage enterprise, science and research and development-related activity.

It now has outline planning permission and the detailed planning applications have been submitted.