A BRIDGE in Mid Devon destroyed in floods just over two years ago has been reinstated.

The original Waterstave Bridge, near Bradninch, which was built in the 19th Century, was partially swept away following heavy rainfall and flooding on November 21, 2012.

The extent of the damage meant the remainder of the Grade II listed bridge was irreparable and unsafe, and was subsequently de-listed and demolished.

It has been replaced with a new structure built over the past six months. It uses concrete beams supported by reinforced concrete piled abutments and has been designed to improve resilience in future floods.

The new £450,000 bridge over the river Culm re-connects Bradninch and the B3181 to the east of the village.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management and flood prevention, said: “We have always been committed to reinstating this bridge and we’re pleased it has now been completed and opened.

“It’s an important, well-used link for the local community.

“The construction of the new bridge is the latest ‘legacy’ funded project to replace or repair highway structures damaged during the storms of 2012/13 and it highlights our ongoing efforts to recover from those devastating flooding events.”

Cllr John Berry, Devon county councillor for Cullompton Rural, said: “Local people in Bradninch and the surrounding area who used the bridge in the past will be highly delighted that the county council has built this new bridge.

“It will help journey times return to normal and improve convenience for everyone using this important route.”

Devon’s 8,000-mile highway network sustained about £18million of damage during the major floods of 2012/13.

Despite the county council spending more than £12million in the immediate aftermath, clearing debris and carrying out repairs, it was left with a ‘legacy’ of more than £5.5million of outstanding work.

Contractor South West Highways (SWH Ltd) carried out the work.