COUNTY councillors have given the go-ahead to Worcester’s proposed new Kepax Bridge, despite the cost of the project spiralling to £16million.
Cabinet members gave the green light to back the award of the main construction contract on Thursday (September 22) and also requested the council’s budget be adjusted to enable works to commence on the new bridge later this year.
The thumbs-up came despite the cost of the project more than doubling since it was first proposed in 2020 when the initial £9million project was first unveiled.
A delay in planning approval, changes to the initial scheme to include improvements to Horsford Road and a ramp to the Severn Way have been cited as reasons for the surge in costs.
Changes in fuel costs and inflation in the construction sector exacerbated by the war in Ukraine leading to increased steel and fuel costs have also been cited by council chiefs.
The bridge will run from Gheluvelt Park to the east of the river to the Kepax site in St John’s, to the west, providing improved cycle and pedestrian connectivity to the north of Worcester city.
It will be the same width as other shared-use bridges in the city such as Diglis, Hams Way, Broomhall Way and Crookbarrow Way.
Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills said, “Once completed, the bridge will bring a major boost for the health and wellbeing of people who live, study or work in Worcester, encouraging many more to walk and cycle around our beautiful city.
“Combined with the Diglis and Sabrina bridges, the Kepax Bridge will also create an attractive and appealing figure-of-eight route for enjoying Worcester’s riverside.
“We have heard some debate about the cost of the scheme and it’s important to note the previously published cost did not include inflation, nor did it include additional works such as improvements to Horsford Road or the ramp down to the Severn Way.
“Since 2019, there has been significant inflation in the construction industry due to a number of factors, including major increases in fuel, energy, aggregate and steel costs.
Previously-approved preparatory works have already taken place including environmental surveys, the removal of invasive species and clearance of vegetation on the bridge alignment.
Further work began in Gheluvelt Park on Monday (September 26), ahead of the main works starting later this year.
To allow these works to progress, there will be some minor footpath diversions in place in the park.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/kepaxbridge for more.
