THESE pictures show work continuing to go to plan as York's Millennium Bridge takes shape on the banks of the River Ouse.

Parts of the 250-ton stainless steel structure are arriving all the time on the riverbank and the opening date will be made public in the near future.

The bridge has been plagued by setbacks, but is now on track to meet its new deadline of being launched across the River Ouse at the end of September or beginning of October.

If all continues to go to plan it will be open to the public at the end of October or beginning of November.

Paul Chesmore, manager of the Millennium Bridge Trust, said: "Things are going very well and on the Hospital Fields Road side there are two sections of the bridge that will be joined after the Bank Holiday by a couple more sections.

"Two sections of the bridge are virtually finished on the Rowntree Park side of the river.

"The stainless steel arch which is probably going to be the great signature piece of the bridge is being completed in sections at the factory and they have been testing out the fit of that arch because it's extremely critical that the arch makes a perfect radius."

The pieces will be welded together on site before the launch.

"The aim is to have everything on site for the final assembly after the Bank Holiday."

Mr Chesmore said the contractor was still discussing a number of dates at the end of October and beginning of September when British Waterways will impose a one-day closure of the river to allow the launch.

He said: "I don't think we're very far away from making an announcement of that date.

"We also will be able to make an announcement of the first day when the public are going to be able to use the bridge very soon.

"Things are going very well and the quality of the bridge is marvellous. We're getting very close now."

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PICTURE: The bridge starts to take shape at Butcher Terrace.

Picture: Nigel Holland