KING'S BRIDGE, one of the vital routes over the River Colne into Huddersfield, has finally been fully re-opened

The bridge has been restricted to single file traffic for more than three years.

It meant long delays for drivers as a three-phase and later a four- phase traffic light system was introduced at the junction of Newsome Road, Damside and King's Mill Lane.

Now work has been completed on the huge project to strengthen the cast-iron bridge with a new concrete deck.

Newsome Green councillors today welcomed the reopening of the historic bridge.

Clr Andrew Cooper said: "One of the early proposals was to close the bridge entirely to traffic.

"This would have been extremely disruptive to bus services and traffic generally.

"We favoured and promoted an option which allowed single file traffic to use the bridge under traffic light control.

"We are pleased that after many months it is now back in action."

Kirklees Council had to take action after new European legislation allowing heavier lorries into the UK .

Funding for the repairs came from the European Fund.