AROUND 500 people gathered to watch the official opening of the Third Way bridge beside Goodland Gardens this morning.

Supporters of St Margaret's Hospice were the first people across, while a group of classsic cars was also driven over the new structure.

Children from North Town Primary School attended to cheer as Transport Minister Norman Baker cut a ribbon to open the bridge.

For more photos and a report see Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.

A NEW £7.5million road including a bridge across the River Tone in Taunton opens this morning.

Pupils from North Town Primary School will be among the first to cross the Third Way bridge at Goodland Gardens, along with supporters of St Margaret's Hospice.

The road links Wellington Road and Bridge Street and aims to avoid traffic congestion in the town centre.

It is estimated that it will carry 1,500 vehicles an hour at peak times.

Transport Minister Norman Baker is attending this morning's event.

The prject also includes a second bridge replacing a Bailey bridge over the Mill Stream, 500 metres of realigned road, two new junctions and pedestrian and cycle paths.