Highways England is building a ‘new and wider' steel bridge to allow school children, cyclists and pedestrians to cross the A5.

The bridge at Atherstone, north Warwickshire will be built close to the existing one, which serves the Queen Elizabeth Academy.

The old reinforced concrete bridge is also being replaced for maintenance reasons and to increase headroom clearance.

Highways England said the new wider bridge can be safely used by both pedestrians and cyclists and the gradient of the new access ramps will meet modern standards, while the headroom clearance of the bridge will also be altered to meet current regulations.

Project manager Dave Lynch said: ‘It's important pedestrians and cyclists are able to cross our roads safely.

‘We are replacing the existing bridge with a new one that is more accessible, meets the current standards and will reduce the need for extensive maintenance to be carried out on the bridge for many years.'

The installation will be carried out in two phases. Early works currently are taking place involve full closures for three weekends, as well as a lane closure and a 50mph speed limit.

The main works will begin in July which will involve building the foundations and supports for the new bridge and installation of the structure. The existing bridge will be demolished at a later date.

Highways England said most of the main work will be carried out using contraflow and lane closures and without the need for further full road closures.