A multi-million pound viaduct offering spectacular views of Bingley is to be built over the River Aire as part of the town's relief-road project.

The 275-metre structure, which is expected to have five arches, will run from Rye Loaf Hill to the southern bank of the river by the Bankfield Hotel.

At 50 feet, it signals the highest point of the 5km stretch of road and is expected to take between nine months and a year to complete, with work starting in 2002.

Peter Scally, project manager for the Highways Agency, said: "The Cottingley viaduct will be the most prominent structure in the scheme, especially for people who use the footpath which runs under it, coming down from Cottingley Beck and through the valley bottom. You will also get a good view towards Bingley as you drive westwards and from the Bradford and Bingley Sports ground on Wagon Lane."

An artist's impression was created by David Pontin, of agents Babtie Group, for the Highways Agency and shows a vision of how the dual carriageway viaduct could stand in the valley.

Geoff Davidson, associate director of architects ARUP, said the environmental impact on the valley and the aesthetics of the steel and concrete structure were the main considerations of the six-month design period.

"It is the most rural section of the road and it needs to be as slender as possible and as open as possible to try to maintain what views there are," he said.

Eileen Sinclair, of Bingley Civic Trust, said her only concerns were that the surrounding area should not be disturbed more than necessary.

"I do not doubt when the road is built there will be a lot of interest in the viaduct and people will probably come to look at this engineering feat," she said.

"In years gone by there was concern about the Humber Bridge, but it is a thing of beauty."

Pat Rand, chairman of Better Bingley Campaign, said: "It is a functional design but I think it is pleasing to the eye.

"It will virtually blend into the landscape."

Chartered surveyor Steve Oddy, of the Bradford and Bingley rugby committee, said the club would lose a bit of land to the relief road but the viaduct could benefit them by making the facilities more visible and accessible.

But Shipley Councillor David Ford, who represents the Green party, described it as a "blot on the landscape" which will detract from the natural surroundings.