The construction of the £16M Kepax Bridge in Worcester has entered a significant new phase.
- Sections of the bridge are being craned into position, marking visible progress.
- The bridge will enhance pedestrian and cycling routes across the River Severn.
- Worcestershire County Council oversees the project, partnering with Worcester City Council.
- Completion is anticipated by the end of 2024, barring unforeseen delays.
The construction of the £16M Kepax Bridge, a key infrastructure project in Worcester, is advancing as sections are being craned into place this week. This bridge is a cable-supported structure that will unite Gheluvelt Park on the east with the Kepax site on the west, traversing the River Severn. Its innovative design employs a single tower on the river’s east side, where cables fan out to support the main span.
This ambitious initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster non-motorised transport routes throughout Worcestershire. Upon completion, the bridge will integrate into a larger figure-of-eight network along the River Severn, linking with the Diglis Bridge, the updated Sabrina Bridge, and back to Kepax. This path aims to promote healthier lifestyles by providing enhanced walking and cycling options.
The project is a collaboration between the Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council, with Alun Griffiths as the main contractor. Input on the bridge’s design came from Moxon Architects, supported by Jacobs engineering. Construction is progressing swiftly with the deployment of a 1,000-tonne crane and a 350-tonne crane, initiating the installation of critical bridge sections.
Following the current phase, further tasks including the addition of parapets, expansion joints, abutment works, and lighting will proceed over the ensuing months. Simultaneously, substantial progress is occurring on the Horsford Road access and necessary ground works on the river’s west side. Significantly, the welding of the pylon and the bridge’s curved sections commenced on 10 June, indicating rapid advancement.
Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Marc Bayliss, expressed the project’s vital role in the community, stating: “This is an exciting time for the project. Now the bridge is starting to span the river, you can really start to see what the finished structure will look like.” The council expects the bridge to be operational by the end of 2024, contingent on avoiding major setbacks such as flooding.
Initially approved by the council’s planning and regulatory committee in September 2021, the bridge construction began in October of the previous year. Its estimated cost rose from £9M to nearly £16M, attributed chiefly to inflation and increased construction expenses. Despite the financial adjustments, the project continues to move forward, aiming to meet its completion timeline.
The Kepax Bridge is set to become a vital link for Worcester, enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable transport by the end of 2024.
