27 October 2012 Last updated at 05:45 ET

Walton Bridge over the Thames taking shape

The Walton Bridge will replace two temporary river crossings

The first new road bridge over the River Thames for more than 20 years is taking shape, the council has said.

The £32m Walton Bridge, linking Walton-on-Thames and Shepperton, is due to be completed by the summer of next year.

Surrey County Council said the first section of arches had been put in place. When finished, the bridge will improve access to schools, shopping centres and businesses.

Transport Secretary Norman Baker said it was an "important scheme".

He added the new crossing would "aid economic growth".

About 34,000 cars use the current road crossings each weekday.

Preparation work for the bridge - which was approved by the last government in 2008 but later put on hold as part of the coalition's spending review - began in January.

Once complete, two temporary bridges in the area will be removed.