Planned improvements to the Dorney Lake venue, which already boasts a 2,000m (6,562ft), eight-lane rowing lake and return lane, include a new 50m (164ft) span finish line bridge over a widened return lane.

A new cut-through will be built between the competition lake and return lane, with a bridge installed over the cut-through, while an existing stone and gravel access road will be upgraded.

The venue's existing finish line bridge is being demolished to make way for the construction of new bridge, which is expected to get underway in November. The scheme is scheduled for completion in spring 2010.

Alison Nimmo, the Olympic Delivery Authority's (ODA) director of design and regeneration, said: "The start of construction work at Eton Dorney is an important milestone and shows we are making good progress not just on the Olympic Park but across the 2012 project at venues around the country.

"These are essential works but we have organised our construction activity to minimise disruption to the regular users of Dorney Lake."

Ivor Lloyd, Eton College Rowing Centre managing director, added: "In legacy there will be additional operational benefits for the venue by bringing us up to the latest design standard for an international course."

Image: ODA