PLANS to build a new bridge and complete a missing link in a green route through Weymouth have been given a major boost.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans and representatives from Dorset County Council have signed a document that outlines their commitment to the £1.5 million scheme.

It is proposed to bridge the gap in the Rodwell Trail with a new structure for walkers and cyclists over Newstead Road.

It is part of a scheme to provide traffic-free routes around the borough in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Work on the bridge is due to start this year.

County councillor for Rodwell Clare Sutton joined representatives from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Sustrans new area manager Richard Rider, members of community groups and pupils from Holy Trinity School to celebrate the drawing up of the ‘memorandum of understanding’. Coun Sutton described the scheme as a ‘truly collaborative effort.’ Sustrans is contributing £350,000 towards the cost through its Connect2 scheme after winning a television vote and scooping £50million -worth of Big Lottery Fund for projects around the country.

Officers from Dorset County Council, which will provide the additional funding, have been conducting feasibility studies for the bridge over the last few months.

They will be working with Richard Rider from Sustrans and a community-led steering group headed by Weymouth cycling campaigner Ken Reed to put the scheme in place.

A bridge was originally built over Newstead Road to carry the old Weymouth to Portland railway. It was demolished in 1987 to allow for carriageway improvements.

With the development of the Rodwell Trail there is now a need to bridge the gap again. Nearly 40,000 people live within a mile of the trail and it is hoped they will take advantage of the route when the bridge is built.

Ken Reed said: “I’m delighted that we will soon have a new bridge over Newstead Road providing an essential link for walkers, cyclists and less-able users alike.

“It will be especially important in reducing the impact of car traffic on local people travelling to and from the Olympic Games.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council transport spokesman Christine James said: “We are delighted the county council has agreed to take this bridge a step closer to completion.

“On behalf of the local community that will use this route in the future I would like to thank everyone involved for their contribution to making this happen.”