Hereford’s new cycle bridge, one of the Sustrans Connect2 projects, is to open to the public on Tuesday 10th December.

The bridge over the River Wye at Rotherwas will link the east of the city, around Tupsley and Eign Hill, with the Rotherwas Industrial Estate – providing a safe way for cyclists to get to work. But it also forms part of a wider ‘Greenway’ from the city centre, starting at the eastern gate of Hereford Cathedral.

The ultimate intention is to continue the route as National Cycle Network route 44 to the village of Holme Lacy, and from there along country lanes towards Ross-on-Wye and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Sustrans’ local manager Henry Harbord said:

“This project is all about giving people the opportunity to make ‘everyday’ journeys by bike or on foot. Once open, it will help us towards our ambition to double the number of journeys under five miles made by foot, bike or public transport.”

New paths are being created on either side of the bridge, though those on the southern side won’t be fully open until 20th December.

You can follow construction of the bridge at its unofficial Facebook page.