THERE is something inspiring about a bridge, the way it spans a gap, rises above difficulties, and lets us travel where we couldn't go before. To the York roll call of Clifton, Scarborough, Lendal, Ouse and Skeldergate we can today officially add the Millennium Bridge.

York's newest river crossing has at times seemed a bridge over troubled, and indeed swollen waters. Assorted delays have dogged this ambitious £4.2 million project, culminating in last's autumn's catastrophic floods. The inundation of the land around the bridge made completion difficult and washed away all hope of an opening last November.

But today at last the Millennium Bridge vaults over all such difficulties and stands proud and open for use by the people of York.

And what a fine structure it is - a modern and striking piece of work, beautifully designed and engineered. The idea for such a bridge was first discussed in 1994 and now it stands, the realisation of what for many had been a dream.

A bridge is the perfect way to mark the millennium, and if York's new bridge has opened later than intended, it is now in place and will stand for the enjoyment and benefit of York people for many years to come.

As well as being a new attraction for the city, the Millennium Bridge serves a sturdy practical purpose, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to cross the Ouse at a convenient place, keeping them well away from traffic congestion.

As the nearby Rowntree Park is also benefiting from a £1.7 million restoration, including the rebuilding of the original cascade, this riverside area of York is being given an important boost.

Today sees the first new bridge across the Ouse in York since Clifton Bridge - 4,000 tons of concrete and 50 tons of reinforced concrete - was opened in 1963. Unlike that ever-busy bridge, the Millennium Bridge will only ever see pedestrians and cyclists. And what an uplifting sight it is.

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, April 10, 2001