A road in Norwich which was shut while the first major bridge beams on the route of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road were hoisted into place has reopened.

Plumstead Road closed between Thorpe End and Little Plumstead on Wednesday morning, with 26 33-tonne bridge beams hailed into place by a crane.

Work fitting panels, which provide a structure that can stay in place after the concrete for the bridge deck has been poured, was completed today and the road reopened at just after 3pm.

The bridge is one of eight along the route of the under construction road and the first to have its beams installed. Eventually, six will go over the dual carriageway while two, including this one, will carry the NDR itself.

The other of that type will carry the NDR, which will stretch from the A47 at Postwick to the A1067 Fakenham Road, over the Norwich to Sheringham railway line.

Supporters of the NDR, which contractors hope could be ready to take traffic by the end of this year, say the road will reduce congestion in the city, stop rat-running and provide an economic boost for the country.

Opponents argue it will not lead to significant reductions in traffic, but will mean housing is built on swathes of countryside.

Others are unhappy that the road does not link to the A47 to the west of the city. That plan was originally mooted but was rejected because of the problems in crossing the Wensum Valley - a site of special scientific interest.

County councillors have made clear they hope that link could be made possible in the future, but concede that would be years away, if it is feasible at all.