New Pooley Bridge lifted into place after Storm Desmond destruction
- Published
The council said the bridge would be open to the public "as soon as possible"
A new bridge has been lifted into place to replace a 300-year-old predecessor which was washed away by floods.
The original Pooley Bridge near Ullswater was destroyed by Storm Desmond in 2015.
Cumbria County Council said a 1,200 tonne crane placed the bridge, which will be open "as soon as possible".
A spokesman said the 128ft (39m) single-span structure would be the first stainless steel road bridge of its kind in the country.
Public viewing areas were cordoned to prevent people congregating during the coronavirus lockdown.
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Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, said it was a "big red letter day" for the £5m project and he was "thrilled" with the bridge's placement.
Diane Bourne, managing director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: "Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are delighted that the bridge lift could go ahead as planned."
The council spokesman said the bridge was scheduled to be opened in June but a temporary suspension of work at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak means the "timescale is subject to change".
The original three-arch bridge was washed away in December 2015
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