FOUNDATION work on temporary arches, which will support the flood-hit Mercury Bridge at Richmond, North Yorkshire, is expected to be completed in the next two weeks.

Engineers have been battling to restore the 150-year-old listed structure, which collapsed after major flooding of the River Swale in June.

They say that the vital first stage of the project should be finished on both the Catterick and Richmond sides by Sunday, August 13.

The latest timetable, unveiled yesterday, showed that arch support steelwork was being constructed and a 300-ton mobile crane would be used to install the structure. Temporary access roads and crane foundations are now being prepared on both sides of the river.

Stone samples for the full reconstruction of the bridge have also been chosen and North Yorkshire County Council says the work is still on course to be completed by December.

Environmental services director, Mike Moore, said: "Significant technical and safety issues have been overcome and the extensive preparatory and stabilisation works are now well advanced and remain on schedule.

"Design and advance works for the reconstruction are on-going.

He added: "The people of Richmond can be assured that we remain on target for the projected completion date of December."

County council officials will check whether the bridge can be reopened to pedestrians and light traffic once the temporary support is in place.