March 7, 2014 3.44 pm This story is over 120 months old

White Bridge in Hartsholme Country Park now open

Finally: White Bridge in Hartsholme Park is now officially open for use.

The newly re-built White Bridge at Hartsholme Park, Lincoln. Photo: CoLC

White Bridge in Hartsholme Country Park in Lincoln is now officially open for public use.

White Bridge closed to the public in July 2012 after it was found the steelwork on the bridge was deteriorating.

The timber deck and upper steel work was completely removed, and the City of Lincoln Council approved plans to rebuild a new bridge in its place costing £65,000.

Built by Lincoln firm John Martin Hoyes, the new design takes elements of the old bridge following consultation with park users and members of Hartsholme Country Park Advisory Group.

Workers have put finishing touches to the bridge this week and managed to find a 15-hour window of dry weather to set the deck coating.

The works have been delayed since September 2013, when the bridge was set to reopen initially.

Reasons for the delays included bad weather and repair works for the stanchions in the water.

Alan Brookfield, Project Manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “We’re delighted to finally be able to announce the opening of the new White Bridge.

“The previous bridge was an iconic feature of the park and we know it has been much missed.

“I hope people can appreciate the ambitious nature of this project to replace a 100-year-old bridge over the lake in the middle of this beautiful country park.

“It’s fantastic to see the bridge back where it belongs and we are looking forward to seeing it being enjoyed by visitors to the park for years to come.”