The major project to replace the previous Burnshot Bridge got underway last year after the demolition of the original bridge, built in 1964, for safety reasons.

More than 200 engineers, designers and other staff from City of Edinburgh Council and contractor Balfour Beatty have been involved in building the new crossing, which measures 33m wide and includes state-of-the-art stainless-steel reinforcement to maximise lifespan, expected to be 120 years.

The design also incorporates improved cycling and pedestrian facilities, designed with input from active travel groups, including a segregated eastbound cycle lane and a shared use path.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, transport and environment convener at Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted that the brand new Burnshot Bridge will open to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists this week, and I know the local community will be just as pleased to see this important link restored.

“This has been an extremely complex project and its thanks to the very hard work of the many people involved in its completion that we’ll now be able to walk, wheel, cycle and drive on this key route again.”

Keith MacDonald, contract director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are delighted that the complex construction works to rebuild the Burnshot Bridge in Kirkliston have now reached completion, with works procured through the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework.

“It is testament to the team’s safety and expertise that over 48,000 hours have been spent on site without any lost time to injury. Having installed enhanced pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, we are confident that the bridge will improve the journeys for both motorists and active travellers for many years to come.”

The former Burnshot Bridge was demolished in 2017 after the discovery of deteriorating joints leading to the design of an improved concrete replacement to facilitate travel between Kirkliston, South Queensferry and Edinburgh.

Work on the scheme was halted between March and June as part of Edinburgh’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.