The latest stretch of the Railway Trail to be restored under ambitious plans to reconnect the track will be officially opened this weekend.

A new bridge has been erected where the trail crossed Store Hill and a large section of the nearby Smith’s track has been cleared.

Michael Dunkley, the Premier, is expected to join Governor George Fergusson at the official opening of the bridge at 10.30am on Saturday.

The opening will bring to an end more than 11 months of planning and construction work on the Smith’s section of the trail.

The latest phase has involved four of the original old concrete pylons being raised and restored, while a brand new fifth pylon has been constructed to take the weight of the bridge sections.

Previously the restoration crew completed an extensive upgrade to the trail between Winton Hill and Coney Island that also involved the installation of new bridges.

Mike Murphy, together with his son, Tucker, has been at the forefront of the scheme.

He said:” On behalf of Friends of the Bermuda Railway I would especially like to thank our founding members Jay Nichols, Limbo Up Foundation and the insurers and reinsurers, Allied World Assurance, Ironshore Insurance Ltd., Renaissance Re., and the recently merged Montpelier Re.

“We appreciate them for having the foresight and vision as well as providing core financial backing to continue to connect the trail so that it becomes a safe and healthful place for Bermudians and tourists to exercise and enjoy the scenery along the way.”

Anyone wishing to attend this Saturday’s opening can park at the Penhurst Park parking area and make their way to the bridge through a newly created cut-through.