Leicester's bike-friendly footbridge hoisted into place by huge crane

The new 11ft wide (3.5m) bridge was hoisted into place by a huge crane

A footbridge that can also be used by cyclists has been hoisted into place by a huge crane in a city centre.

The new 11ft wide (3.5m) bridge spans the River Soar next to Abbey Corner Bridge in Leicester.

Leicester City Council said it was assembled beforehand, ready for the final lift into position on Saturday.

The authority said the bridge formed part of a £7.5m revamp of Abbey Park Road, which includes new bus lanes and footpaths.

The footbridge is due to be open for pedestrians and cyclists from 25 April

The new footbridge runs parallel to the existing Grade II listed Abbey Corner Bridge, which dates from 1878.

The council said the older bridge required extensive repairs and would remain closed until the new year.

The local authority added that the new bridge would take cyclists off the narrow road bridge and help ensure there was space for all road users.

It is due to open for pedestrians and cyclists from 25 April.

Deputy city mayor Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: "This new footbridge is the centrepiece of an ambitious revamp of Abbey Park Road that will help radically change the way that people think about travelling on this important route.

"As it stands, the existing road bridge can be a daunting prospect for cyclists at busy times.

"The new footbridge will create more space and help make Abbey Park Road a safer, more appealing and people-friendly route."

An artist's impression of the bridge, which spans the River Soar