A new £2.6 million footbridge to replace a rusty old railway crossing joining two neighbourhoods is poised to open this autumn.

The long-awaited Currock Bridge is expected to provide a modern link between Currock and Denton Holme in Carlisle in September.

There had been calls for some time for the footbridge that has stood for decades across the coastline railway to be replaced.

Work got underway in January – and documents reveal the end is almost in sight for those who wanted the graffiti-covered current crossing replaced.

An opening ceremony is expected to be held and the existing bridge will be demolished after the new nearby one is in place.

Reg Watson, who represents Currock on Cumbria County Council, said it was a development councillors had been “desperate to get done”.

“That was a horrible bridge,” he said of the soon-to-be-demolished crossing.

“I’m over the moon. Really, really pleased this is happening.

“What a difference it will make to people in that area who go shopping to Denton Holme or go to town that way.

“It’s a link to the northern cycle paths.”

The scheme sees the replacement of the existing Maryport Cottages footbridge with a new combined foot and cycle bridge.

A report to Cumbria County Council’s local committee for Carlisle says Story Contracting started work at the turn of the year.

Site cabins, security fencing, tree clearance, foundations and other works have taken place.

The Currock end of the new bridge will be further up Lund Crescent.

The report states: “Cumbria County Council and Story Contracting are working with the community to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”

Work includes widening the footpath that runs alongside the edge of Wire Mire Beck in front of Maryport Cottages, on the Denton Holme side.

“The increased width of the path will allow cyclists and other users, such as pushchairs and wheelchairs, to pass more easily,” adds the report.

There will be a diversion route for pedestrians where necessary.

The new bridge is set to be installed over three weekends, starting on June 4.

“The main bridge is programmed to be lifted into place early, between 2am and 5am, on Saturday June 12,” said the report.

“The dates for the lifting of the bridge are weather dependent and therefore several contingency weekends are in place.”

Building of approach ramps will follow.

“The bridge is anticipated to be opened in early September,” added the report.

“To ensure access between Denton Holme and Currock is maintained, demolition works will be progressed following the opening of the bridge.”

The existing bridge opened in 1929.

But its rickety wooden steps made transporting prams and bicycles difficult.

The development is up for discussion at the council local committee next week.

A meeting is being held on Thursday at 10.30am at The Courts in Carlisle city centre.