The latest infrastructure investment in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics will see, among other things, the installation of a new 50 metre bridge at the Eton College Rowing Centre.

As well as the bridge, the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has had to allocate funds to construct a cut-through between the 2,000 metre, eight-lane competition rowing lake and the return lane, as well as fund upgrades to the roads accessing the area. LOCOG is presenting the investment as a budgeting triumph, since it prevents the organisation from having to fund an entirely new venue.

"Eton Dorney is a superb venue set in the heart of rowing country," said LOCOG chairman and former Olympian Sebastian Coe. "These enhancements show our commitment to providing the best possible facilities at Games time, whilst avoiding unnecessary money on creating new venues. Eton Dorney is a world class venue that hosts elite level competition as well as community events. It is a venue of which we can all be proud."

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has handed the contract for the improvements to Morrison Construction, the company already employed to build a US$41.25 million white water canoe centre for the Games.

Ken Gillespie, group managing director of Galliford Try, parent company to Morrison Construction said: "We're delighted for this opportunity to extend our relationship with the ODA and on such a prestigious project. We look forward to starting the work."