A Victorian bridge hidden from view by excessive foliage that has smothered it for decades has been revealed to passers-by on a popular trail in St Albans.

After a four-week-long woodland maintenance programme, a section of the Alban Way’s overgrown embankment between Camp Road and Cottonmill Lane in St Albans has been pruned into shape.

Peter Wares, a regular user of the Alban Way, said he was “bowled over by the now visible magnificent, impressive view of the Victorian mainline bridge built in 1887”.

The historic structure crosses the former Hatfield to St Albans branch line, which will later this year be celebrating its 150th anniversary.

The route is a trail of about 6.5 miles for cyclists and walkers along the former branch line of the great north railway between the two centres.

Peter noted: “Many people were momentarily being stopped in their track by the sight of this magnificent exposed bridge, which most have never fully seen before.

“As far as I can recall, this is the first time any of these trees have undergone any felling or other works.”