WORKS to construct a new bridge in Worcester are set to move forward in November.

The Kepax Bridge will run between Gheluvelt Park to the east of the river and the Kepax site in St John’s, to the west, providing improved cycle and pedestrian connection to the north of Worcester.

Worcestershire County Council said over the next few weeks, the site compound and offices will be put into place in Gheluvelt Park and next to the Hallow Recycling Centre.

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This will be in place ahead of the main construction works which are scheduled to commence in November.

Preparatory works have been underway for some time to pave the way for the main works.

The bridge is being brought to the city by Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council.

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Cllr Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for economy, infrastructure and skills and joint leader of Worcester City Council, said: “This bridge is an important part of our commitment to improving walking and cycling infrastructure in Worcestershire, so it’s great that we’re now ready for these works to really begin in earnest.

“The bridge will be a fantastic addition to the city, providing much-improved connectivity for commuters, local residents, visitors and those in the area for leisure.

“Once completed, the bridge will bring a major boost for the health and well-being of people, encouraging many more to walk and cycle around our beautiful city.”

The works are set to be completed by early 2024.

Workers have been in the city park for the last couple of weeks digging what looks like foundations for the new bridge.

Last month, it was revealed that the cost of building the new bridge had almost doubled to nearly £16 million – up from around £9 million three years ago.

The council blamed inflation and rising costs for the spiralling budget but says it will still be able to afford the bridge.

The council has said it can pay for the bridge if it moves around some of the money in its existing budgets and makes big cuts – including important funds for maintaining roads and infrastructure – to its own capital spending.

For more information on the Kepax Bridge, visit the Worcestershire County Council website at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/kepaxbridge.