I declare this bridge open!

The 650,000 Itford Bridge was built by the Highways Agency following consultation with users of the South Downs National Trail and East Sussex County Council.

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders had found it increasingly difficult to cross the busy A26 trunk road running through the area of outstanding beauty.

The location at Itford Farm is at the heart of the South Downs Way.

To blend in with the scenery, the Agency chose a wooden-clad bridge on a steel deck frame, using a shape to reflect the rolling hills of the surrounding Downland.

For horses' safety, special wooden slats were incorporated into the surface of the bridge to provide sure footing.

A tried and tested steel frame construction technique was used which had the dual benefits of being both quick and economic to install.

Ing Fischer, project manager for the Highways Agency, said: 'We are proud to open this bridge in the rural splendour of the Downs.

'The rural wooden appearance and flowing contours of the bridleway bridge seamlessly blend with the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.'