Construction has begun on a bicycle and pedestrian bridge connecting the areas of Blauwestad and Winschoten in the Netherlands that, at 800m (2,600ft), will be the longest cycling bridge in Europe.

Designed by Nol Molenaar, the Blauwe Loper (literally, 'the Blue Carpet') will span part of the Oldambtmeer artificial lake, the Winschoterdiep canal, the A7 road and a nature reserve, providing users with a variety of views.

It was conceived so that residents on each side of the lake will be able to more easily reach the facilities on the other side, but it will also provide a recreational facility itself when it opens at the end of 2020.

Far from being solely functional, the bridge is designed to be an iconic structure and a "sustainable landmark" for the area.

Actually comprising four separate sections, it will be built using wood from FSC managed forests – albeit in Africa – and will feature trusses with braiding work that will "form a beautiful combination with the crossed supports".

In addition, a pivoting section of the bridge over the Winschoterdiep canal will allow ships to pass.