A NEW bridge across the river Severn in Worcester is gradually taking shape.

The cycle and footbridge which will connect Powick and Lower Wick with Wor-cester city centre is scheduled to open next month.

Worcestershire County Council received funding from the Sustrans Connect2 bid when people voted for the scheme during the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: the People’s Millions’ competition in December 2007.

Of the money awarded, £650,000 was used to improve links to the bridge and a further £200,000 was spent on the bridge itself.

The bridge is on Route 46 of the National Cycle Network and when complete, it will be used by walkers and cyclists.

Council leaders hope it will enhance links between St John’s and Cherry Orchard, Red Hill and St Peter’s, Worcester.

Work began on construction of the bridge in November last year. Last month the mast – or pylon – arrived and it was put in place on June 14.

The mast will support the cables, which will support the deck sections. These started to arrive on site last week and are now being put into place.

The final pieces of the new bridge will be put into place from the east bank of the river.

Before it is officially opened the landings, ramps, staircases, handrails, lighting, painting and surfacing will be installed.

Coun Derek Prodger, cabinet member for transport, said: “This is an important bridge to support sustainable transport and develop walking and cycling routes in the area.

“It is an exciting project which people voted for and really helped to make a reality. I am personally looking forward to the bridge being completed and am visiting the site regularly to watch it take shape.”

In addition to the £850,000 awarded by Sustrans, Worcestershire County Council has used ring-fenced funding from central government for the construction of the bridge and the connecting walk-cycle links.

Worcester City Council is also enhancing the river front between the New Road Bridge and Diglis Island.