YORK’S newest bridge – a stylish steel structure crossing the River Foss – has been officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Coun David Horton.

The foot and cycle bridge links Navigation Road and Walmgate to Palmer Street in Hungate, a ten acre semi-derelict site which is undergoing a £150 million redevelopment.

The crossing also provides a link from the Sustrans Foss Island path at James Street and Hallfield Road to the city centre, and connects into the city’s wider network of traffic-free foot and cycle ways.

The 26 metre bridge, which weighs more than 29 tonnes and has stainless steel balustrades and distinctive wooden decking, has been paid for by developers Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd, a joint venture between Lend Lease, Evans Property Group and Land Securities.

Its installation is part of a programme of ecological, environmental and amenity improvements to the River Foss and Foss Islands Nature Reserve, which include the creation of an otter holt with viewing platform.

Mark Dickinson, managing director of development at Lend Lease, said York had a long tradition of elegant and strategically-important bridges that had served many purposes over almost two thousand years since the Romans first arrived.

“We hope that the city’s newest bridge will be enjoyed for generations to come by pedestrians, cyclists and residents,” he said.

Coun Dave Merrett, of City of York Council, said:. “The footbridge will provide a fantastic link route in York’s walking and cycling network for visitors and residents, and adds to York’s collection of iconic bridges.”