A NEW bridge which was lowered into place almost three weeks ago is set to finally open to the public. 

The controversial expansion of Balkerne Bridge, over Balkerne Hill, was completed on March 5 but the new bridge has been closed since then.

Essex Highways has now revealed the bridge will be open 'by Saturday' (March 25).

Cars will also be able to exit St Mary's car park on Balkerne Hill down the normal slip road again from tomorrow.

The original bridge was removed by engineers from Essex County Council on January 14 to enable a new wider bridge to be installed, allowing both cyclists and pedestrians to use it at the same time.

The road below the bridge was shut overnight for cranes to lower the structure into place.

At the time, Essex County Councillor Kevin Bentley (Conservative, Stanway and Pyefleet) said it was another important scheme of infrastructure investment in Colchester by the county council.

“It took a bit longer than expected because of weather conditions but now it is done I am very proud of it.

"It is an improvement in terms of safety for residents and it is a very important link for all local people to the facilities of the town centre.”

When the bridge plans were given the go ahead in July 2016 concerns were raised about how safe the concept was, with High Steward of Colchester and former Lib Dem MP Sir Bob Russell calling the new bridge a “recipe for disaster”.

What do you think of the new bridge? Let us know in the comments below.