A new and distinctive bridge for cyclists and pedestrians over Manchester Road, Bradford, has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Institution of Civil Engineers in Yorkshire and Humber.

The project was one of only four judged excellent this year.

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council’s executive member for Transport, and the Council’s civil engineer, Richard Gelder, received the award from the president of the Institution, Professor Barry Clarke, at a gala dinner held at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

The 210-metre long replacement bridge was identified as a crucial element of Bradford’s Living Street Project.

The project is a collaboration between Bradford Council, Sustrans (the sustainable transport charity) and Trident (a local company delivering Community projects).

The Living Street provides a safe and attractive route connecting communities on either side of a busy principal road and it forms part of the National Cycle Network.

The bridge for pedestrians and cyclists has steel beams supporting a steel deck with steel and reinforced concrete columns.

John Bowes, chairman of the judging panel, said, “This landmark structure has made its mark in the community and not only because of its vibrant colour. The judges were impressed with the quality of design and the sustainable approach. The overwhelming local community involvement and support shows how effective this bridge is in connecting communities safely.”