Work has finally begun on the first new major road to be built over the Thames in more than 20 years.

The first stage of the £32m Walton Bridge construction started this morning, after initial preparations were completed.

The crossing between Walton and Shepperton will see the bridge foundations laid before the main support arches are installed.

It is due to be completed by the summer of 2013 and will replace two long-serving temporary bridges next to it.

The existing bridges will remain open until the new crossing is completed, to minimise disruption for drivers.

Last year, Local Transport Minister Norman Baker described the new crossing as an important scheme that would “aid economic growth”, and it will be one of five crossings across the river in Surrey.

Councillor Ian Lake said: “This is another major step towards our goal of improving journeys and boosting growth.

“Good transport links are vital to Surrey’s economic growth so by investing in projects like Walton Bridge we are investing in the county’s future prosperity.

“Surrey’s roads carry nearly twice the national average traffic flow and this crossing will make a real difference to local residents, commuters and businesses as well as becoming an important new landmark on the river.”

The new bridge, being built by Costain, will help accommodate the 34,000 vehicles that use the current road bridge on weekdays.

The modern design means there will be no piers in the water, opening up views along the river and improving navigation for boats.

Atkins, the company behind the new bridge, also designed world famous landmarks including Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and Hong Kong’s Ting Kau bridge, the world’s longest road and rail crossing.

The scheme has been dogged by disruptions and false dawns since it was first given planning permission in 2002, including two public inquiries.

In June 2010, Coun Lake said the money for the scheme had finally been secured and preliminary work on the bridge would begin that year.

Only two months later the Department for Transport said it could give “no assurances” the bridge would go ahead at all, claiming Surrey County Council had been aware of their position.