A new bridge has been lifted into place linking the Olympic Park to local areas in Hackney and Waltham Forest.

The bridge spans Ruckholt Road and links Hackney East Marsh to Eton Manor in the north of the Park.

Pictured: The Olympic Park was recently praised by the IOC

During the London 2012 Games, the bridge will be an important route into the Park for spectators arriving at the Northern Spectator Mall.

It will remain after the Games, giving local residents direct access to the new sports and leisure facilities in Eton Manor and the wider Park.

The 200-tonne structure was lifted into place by one of the largest cranes in Europe. The arched bridge is 42 metres long and six metres wide.

An additional temporary bridge has also been lifted into place to accommodate the higher number of spectators during the Games.

The bridge is lifted into place

Olympic Delivery Authority director of infrastructure Simon Wright said: “Lifting in the new Ruckholt Road bridge was a huge engineering challenge and a significant achievement that paves the way for another important new link into the Olympic Park.

“Road and pedestrian diversions were put in place to help minimise disruption to local people while the bridge was lifted into place.

Wright added: “We thank local residents for their patience while we carried out these essential works and look forward to seeing this striking new bridge in use during the Games and serving the local community for many years to come.”