A NEW bridge at a city park is taking shape as the completed article moves a step nearer despite delays caused by flooding.

The Kepax Bridge at Gheluvelt Park in Worcester, which will span the River Severn, is taking shape despite recent wet weather causing some delays. 

These photos of footpaths, the bridge support and railings give some impression of what the structure will look like when it is finished (the bridge is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year). 

Worcester News: LINK: Kepax Bridge viewed from Worcester Racecourse LINK: Kepax Bridge viewed from Worcester Racecourse (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Work has continued on both sides of the river, completing all reinforced concrete work to the foundations and bases to the abutments, piers, pylon base and back stay anchorage.

With the use of three cranes, weighing in at 500t, 300t and 250t, the structural steel piers and pylon have been lifted and installed into place. 

Segments of the curved bridge deck have been welded together and assembled on site whilst positioned on trestles and are being prepared to be lifted into place.

Marc Bayliss, the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Worcester, said: "Generations to come will wonder why on earth there was any controversy about this.

"I'm proud. Kepax Bridge is a legacy for this generation and it's great to see."

Cllr Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy Infrastructure and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: "It's great to see it coming on so fast now despite the weather and flooding which has put a dent in some of the programme. 

"The team are doing a fantastic job, working around the weather and people will really enjoy it. The link between east and west is really going to be improved by this."

We previously reported how Cllr Bayliss visited the site to watch two 500 ton cranes slowly lifting the pylon into place.

The Kepax bridge project will see a new walking and cycling bridge from Gheluvelt Park to the former Kepax landfill site in Worcester.

RECOMMENDED READING: Kepax Bridge towers over Gheluvelt Park as plan takes shape

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The new bridge comes after the council was told it could not be trusted to use the money for walking and cycling correctly until it improves as part of a ‘zero’ rating by government body Active Travel England.

The scheme to deliver a new walking and cycling bridge across the River Severn in Worcester was approved by the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee on September 28, 2021.

For the first time it will allow users to enjoy a figure-of-eight route along the River Severn from the Diglis bridge in the south to Sabrina Bridge near the city centre to this new bridge in the north (and back again). The bridge project is expected to be completed in 2024.