WORK on the £1.4 million Riversdale Bridge is set to get under way in the next two weeks.

Parts for the bridge have been under construction off-site since January, and work to demolish the existing bridge will be started in the next few days.

The new bridge is expected to be up and open to the public by autumn, enabling hundreds of Northwich residents to walk to school and work once more.

Cliff Mallows, head of regeneration at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Getting to this point when we can commence the works on reopening this vital link has been a real team effort working with a range of partners “We can now look forward to providing residents with the opportunity to walk to work or school in a safe and direct manner.”

Wendy Capelle, British Waterways North Wales and Borders manager, said the project will have minimal impact on navigation along the River Weaver – but will make a huge difference to the community. She said: “The crossing at Riversdale has traditionally provided safe access to school and employment. Like the Witton Brook crossing at Carden’s Ferry, this new bridge will be a fantastic asset as yet another leisure link in the waterway network of Cheshire.”

The project, funded by the sustainable charity Sustrans, is part of a country-wide initiative which uses a £50 million award from the Big Lottery Fund to create routes for every day travel.