New footbridge set to open this year

Work on a new bridge over the River Severn is progressing and is due to be finished by the end of the year.

The Kepax Bridge in Worcester is for pedestrians and cyclists and is expected to reduce traffic on roads and promote health and wellbeing, according to Worcestershire County Council.

It will run from Gheluvelt Park to the Kepax site in St John's.

Construction started in October and was estimated by the authority to cost almost £16m.

All sections of the bridge were lifted into place after a one-day delay in July.

Work has since included landscaping on the west side of the river as well as installation of handrails, fencing, and lighting.

More than 6,500 tonnes of stone was removed and more than 3,000 tonnes of soil imported as part of the scheme, the council said.

"The team are working hard to ensure we have a new bridge for local residents to use before the end of the year," said Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for highways and transport.

“This is an important project for the county, one that will bring a major boost for the health and wellbeing of people who live, study, visit or work in Worcester."

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