These aerial photos show a new £450,000 bridge in Mid Devon that has been opened after the previous listed bridge was washed away in storms more than two years ago.

Waterstave Bridge, near Bradninch, and Collard Bridge at Snapper, near Barnstaple, both collapsed during winter floods in late 2012.

The new version of the Waterstave structure – linking Bradninch to the B3181 at Westcott – was replaced by Devon County Council and opened on Friday. Both bridges will no longer be listed.

The original brick masonry arch Waterstave Bridge was built during the nineteenth century and was a Grade Two Listed structure. The bridge was partially swept away following heavy rainfall and flooding on 21 November 2012. The extent of the damage meant that the remainder of the bridge was irreparable and unsafe, and was subsequently de-listed and demolished.

The new bridge over the river Culm, which has a greater span and reduced profile, was designed to improve flow and capacity in the area.

Devon’s 8,000 mile highway network sustained around £18 million of damage during the major flood events in 2012/13. Despite the County Council spending more than £12 million in the immediate aftermath on clearing debris and carrying out repairs, it was left with a “legacy” of more than £5.5 million of outstanding work. These remaining repairs are being carried out over several years, and include the replacement of Waterstave Bridge and Collard Bridge.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for highway management and flood prevention, said: “These two new bridges are among a number of “legacy” funded projects to replace structures damaged during the storms of 2012/13. Our bridges team has worked closely with the Environment Agency on both of these bridges to improve the water flow and to ensure they are resilient in future flood events. Re-opening both of these bridges will provide valuable links for local residents and businesses in these two areas.”

Councillor John Berry, Devon County Councillor for Cullompton Rural, said: “I’m pleased that Devon County Council has found the funds to reinstate the bridge at Waterstave and everyone in the area is overjoyed that this link to local facilities is being restored so they won’t have to travel the extra mileage. It’s a popular route for locals and people coming to visit Bradninch.”

The two bridges, which are of similar size and detail, cost in the region of £450,000 each.

Work on both bridges, which was being carried out by contractor South West Highways, was scheduled to be completed early in 2015.