TREES and vegetation have been stripped away but the main job of putting up a new river bridge has still yet to start.

Work at Gheluvelt Park in Worcester to make ready for the Kepax footpath and cycle bridge over the River Severn began back in January.

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However, six months on there is still no sign of the bridge itself being installed after striking artist's impressions were revealed, whetting appetites for the finished project.

Vital work has been taking place behind the scenes, ready for the main job of getting the bridge in place.

Complementing the existing Sabrina and Diglis bridges, the hope is that the new addition will allow cyclists and walkers to follow a figure-of-eight route around the city so citizens can better enjoy the city's riverside. 

Worcester News: STRIKING: An artist's impression of the Kepax bridge as it would be seen from St John's looking toward Gheluvelt Park STRIKING: An artist's impression of the Kepax bridge as it would be seen from St John's looking toward Gheluvelt Park

When finished, the bridge will provide a link between St John's and Barbourne's Gheluvelt Park near to the Pump House Environmental Centre.

However, preparation work, including ground investigations and soil testing, have been taking place with a contractor to complete the bridge work set to be appointed later this year.

Worcester News: WORK: Work has been carrying on behind the scenes at Gheluvelt Park ahead of the contractors being appointed to construct the bridge itself WORK: Work has been carrying on behind the scenes at Gheluvelt Park ahead of the contractors being appointed to construct the bridge itself

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "Following works that took place earlier this year to remove vegetation, advanced works have continued on-site including ground investigations, surveys and soil testing.

"These advanced works are taking place ahead of the main construction works, for which we anticipate awarding a contract later this year."

We reported in February how almost 30 trees and sections of vegetation were set to be removed from the field surrounding the Pump House.

Worcester News: ASSET: The path by the River Severn at Gheluvelt Park. The new bridge would open up access to the St John's side of the Severn for pedestrians and cyclists ASSET: The path by the River Severn at Gheluvelt Park. The new bridge would open up access to the St John's side of the Severn for pedestrians and cyclists

Councillor Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, said at the time: “These works need to be carried out ahead of the main construction contract being awarded later this year. 

“The works are in accordance with the planning approval given for Kepax Bridge on September 29, 2021 and replacement trees will be planted later on in the programme."

Worcester News: ENHANCED: An artist's impression of how the Kepax bridge will look when finished ENHANCED: An artist's impression of how the Kepax bridge will look when finished

Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council are working in partnership to provide this new walking and cycling bridge.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcester City Council leader, said earlier in the year: “The start of work to prepare for the building of the Kepax Bridge is an exciting moment.

"The bridge will bring a major boost for the health and wellbeing of people who live or work in Worcester, encouraging many more to walk and cycle around our beautiful city.

"Combined with the Diglis and Sabrina bridges, the Kepax Bridge will create an attractive and appealing figure-of-eight route for enjoying Worcester’s riverside.”