A SEAFRONT cycle lane has been fully reopened for the first time in almost three years.

Brighton and Hove City Council has announced that the seafront cycle lane has fully reopened for the first time since 2012 as work restoring historic arches beneath the lane progresses well.

The closure of a 100m stretch of the lane has been cleared near the West Pier and resurfaced with smooth tarmac.

Council contractors are continuing with the second phase of works to rebuild the seafront arches as well as the £5 million, three-year project to strengthen the upper promenade.

The latest stage of 33 renovations are scheduled to be finished in the autumn when they will be used for a mixture of shops, storage and beach chalets. .

The work will ensure the arches can support the current highway loadings from the road for the next 120 years.

Ian Davey, lead councillor for transport, said: “It’s great to have the cycle lane open again.

“I know it’s been inconvenient for cyclists to have to cross the road and thanks to them for bearing with us.

“The arches works are essential if the A259 is to remain open as a road.

“This is the first time a council has made a serious commitment to that since they were built over 100 years ago.”