THE new, long awaited dock bridge connecting Birkenhead and Wallasey has been successfully raised for the very first time.

The structure, linking Alfred Dock and East Float, was put in place on Sunday by contractor Dawnus and is due to take five days to fix into position.

Pictures taken by Globe reader Sue Freeman, who lives in an apartment on East Float, show the bridge being tested.

It will need at least 40 successful lifts before it can be declared ready for handover to land owners Peel Ports.

The bridge replacement project has caused motorists who frequently use it, much frustation forcing them to find other routes, often adding on time to their journeys.

Since the start of the year, people have been taking to social media to ask the council about the scheme’s progress.

Asked when the bridge will reopen to motorists, a council spokesperson told the Globe: "Now the bridge is in situ, our contractor is striving to conclude all the remaining works at the earliest opportunity so that we can schedule the reopening of the road.

"This is dependent on a successful programme of testing and commissioning, which is now underway with our partners Peel Ports.

"We will keep residents updated on progress."