THESE latest photos show how a new bridge in Worcester is taking shape as the finishing touches are added to the major infrastructure project.

New signs have gone up at the Kepax Bridge as landscaping, lighting and other final touches are made at Gheluvelt Park in Barbourne in Worcester ahead of the grand opening, due to take place by the end of the year.

NEW: A sign points the way to the new Kepax Bridge with work now nearing completionNEW: A sign points the way to the new Kepax Bridge with work now nearing completion (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

At the moment the site is still sealed off behind a metal fence but it is still possible to see the project taking shape.

The aim of the bridge is to help improve walking and cycling routes in the city. 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.

The bridge will run from Gheluvelt Park in the east to the Kepax side in St John’s, to the west. When it opens, the bridge will allow walkers and cyclists to enjoy a figure-of-eight route along the River Severn (from the Diglis bridge in the south to the recently refurbished Sabrina Bridge near the city centre to this new bridge in the north and back again)

Work is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2024, subject to no significant delay.

CONNECTIONS: The view from Gheluvelt Park across Kepax Bridge towards the St John's side of the River SevernCONNECTIONS: The view from Gheluvelt Park across Kepax Bridge towards the St John's side of the River Severn (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

The rain garden planting has been completed, along with the surfacing works to all footpaths and installation of footpath lighting columns.

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Surfacing on the bridge has also been completed and expansion joints and bearings have now been installed. 

Groundworks to remove material for flood compensation have been continuing and the wildflower seeding and turfing has started.

Following all the bridge sections being lifted into place this summer, the focus of the work has been to remove over 6,500 tonnes of stone and import over 3,000 tonnes of subsoil and topsoil material.

In September fencing and landscaping were completed on the west side of the river, and National Grid has been on site to power the street lighting in the park and handrail lighting on the bridge.