The new bridge will be open to the public in September

Work on the 70m (230ft) bridge started in May and now all but the fine detail has been completed on the structure.

It is due to open to the public in September after inspections have been completed.

The bridge, which links the city centre to Maindee, is Newport's newest bridge and has been designed as part of a regeneration programme.

When work started in May, 48 articulated lorries and the tallest crane in the UK were drafted in to transport the sections to the banks of the river Usk and lift it into place.

Approximately 850 tonnes of steel were used to build the bridge - enough steel to make 64 double decker buses.

It has created a real stir in the city Cllr Bob Bright

Councillor Bob Bright, leader of Newport council, said: "Newport's newest bridge has already become a landmark feature for the city centre.

"It has created a real stir in the city and has attracted lots of interest from the public with people coming down on a daily basis to watch its progress.

"It has created a renewed sense of civic pride within the city and has become a real talking point."

It is the first of a number of projects underway as part of a multi million pound regeneration of Newport.

The bridge will link the city centre with Maindee

John Burrows, chief executive of Newport Unlimited, said: "The delivery of the new footbridge and cycle bridge is a major milestone for the city and its regeneration programme. "The bridge will refocus the city's attention back to its waterfront and help to create a positive buzz along the banks of the River Usk.

"By providing a new gateway into the city, it will encourage people to leave their cars at home and help create a congestion and pollution free city.

"The new footbridge and cycle bridge is the first of many projects that are planned to transform Newport into a thriving city to live, work and play.

"It provides physical evidence that the regenerations plans are not all hot air - but are set to bring tangible benefits to the lives of people in the city."