Olympic bridge in place at Dorney Lake

A bridge that will be used by thousands of Olympics spectators this summer has been lifted into place at Dorney Lake.

The 60m long temporary footbridge was installed between the Court Lane venue and Windsor Racecourse on Friday.

About 30,000 people will visit the rowing and canoe sprint venue for the Olympics from July 28 to August 11 and the Paralympics from August 31 to September 3.

An estimated 7,500 spectators will use the 10m wide bridge at peak times, with the racecourse in Maidenhead Road being used as the transport hub.

Shuttle buses in Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor will transport the crowds to the bridge, which will have two lifts at each end for wheelchair users.

Richard Arnold, of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said: "The new footbridge will enable spectators to get to their events quickly and with minimum fuss.

"We have worked hard to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place well ahead of the Games and this marks the last of our major works at the venue as the London Organising Committee pushes ahead on preparations."

The bridge was installed using a 500-tonne crane and will be taken down after the Games.