A MULTI-million project to construct an 'iconic' new bridge across the River Walkham at Grenofen this week moved a major step closer to fruition.

Work on the new Gem Bridge, a vital part of the Drake's Trail section of the National Cycle Network between Tavistock and Plymouth, will start in September, Devon County Council announced on Tuesday.

The announcement follows the award of the contract for the £2.1 million bridge to Exeter-based firm Dawnus Construction Ltd.

The bridge will span 200 metres, linking Tavistock with Horrabridge, Yelverton and Plymouth using the 26km Drake's Trail walking and cycling route.

The innovative structure will cross the steep-sided Walkham Valley and help to provide traffic free access to Dartmoor National Park. 

The county council is in effect replacing the former Brunel viaduct that was demolished in the 1960s. 

The new structure, 24 metres high, echoes the original Brunel design and will include graceful steel lattice arches supported on slender 'wineglass' shaped columns.  The atmospheric and iconic structure has been carefully designed to respect the sensitivity of its surroundings, a local beauty spot.

Graham Cornish, project manager for the county scheme, said: 'After gradually assembling the route over the last ten years or so, I am finding it quite difficult to believe that this is actually happening!

'I can't wait to see the view from the middle of the bridge, not seen since the early sixties.

'I'd especially like to thank our partners in Brittany for their vital support.'

The county secured £600,000 of European funding in March, as part of the INTERREG IVA transborder co-operation programme, to work with Brittany Tourist Board to establish better cycling tourism links between the south west of England, across the Channel into France.

This funding from the Cross Channel Cycle Project is crucial for the construction of Gem Bridge at Grenofen.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, the county's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'I'm pleased to see the contract awarded on this ambitious scheme which underlines our commitment to making Devon a premier destination for cycle tourism.

'The construction of Gem Bridge will enable us to overcome the biggest remaining hurdle in completing Drake's Trail.

'It will be an iconic structure and will provide a stunning way to visit and enjoy Dartmoor National Park without having to rely on using a car.'

Cllr William Mumford, the county's cabinet member for economic regeneration and strategic planning, said: 'This is a substantial investment — not only will the construction work support jobs in the area, but in the long term, there's no doubt that this route will prove popular with local people and visitors.

'This scheme will raise the profile of Devon as a holiday destination and it opens up endless opportunities for local businesses.

'Drake's Trail has the potential to bring millions of pounds into the local economy and could emulate the success of the Tarka Trail in North Devon.'

Cllr Philip Sanders, Devon County member for Yelverton Rural, said: 'The new bridge is an ambitious project which will create a very valuable link across the river Walkham for walkers and cyclists.

'It respects the original bridge which was built when the railway was brought through this area, but now sadly destroyed, and will provide a splendid observation platform from which to view the Walkham Valley as well as providing a further link in the route from Plymouth to Tavistock.'

Dawnus Construction Limited regional director Rob Williams said: 'Dawnus is absolutely delighted to be selected for this interesting and challenging project.

'We look forward to delivering a landmark structure in partnership with Devon County Council, which significantly improves community access into this popular and attractive area.'

Devon County Council is leading the English side of the cycle partnership which includes Cornwall and Dorset councils, South West Tourism and Sustrans in working with Brittany Tourist Board, as well as 12 other French partners across Normandy and Brittany in developing a range of cycling routes that extend either side of the Channel.