The bridge will connect a residential suburb with the city centre (Image: Worcestershire County Council)
An incredible £16m that’s opened in a UK city has been dubbed “a game-changer”.
The Kepax , which links city centre with a residential suburb to the northwest, was officially opened by gold medallist Rebecca Redfern earlier this month.
The 145-metre-long structure is unusually shaped like a hockey stick, with its cable-stayed, four-metre-wide decking fitting around existing riverside paths and parkland.
Supported by an imposing 29-metre pylon, the crossing is part of a bid to boost sustainable travel around Worcester,
in Worcestershire, by the council – but could have another, more immediate impact too.
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The bridge being constructed earlier this year (Image: Worcestershire County Council)
Its alignment with high points on the riverbanks between Gheluvelt Park and an open field that was previously a landfill site will also create access to the city centre when other routes are cut off by flooding.
The city most recently suffered from high water levels when it was hit by Storm Darragh just last weekend, with schools and businesses shutting after being submerged in overflow from the River Severn. A local cricket club was also left underwater, with cars and homes similarly affected, during Storm Ashley in October.
And as well as providing a quicker route between central Worcester and the St John’s suburb, the bridge will ensure safe travel in periods of heavy rainfall – which disproportionately impact the city because of its proximity to the east bank of the River Severn.
Worcestershire County Councillor Mark Bayliss described the structure as “a game-changer for both Worcester and the wider county”.
“The response at the opening event was fantastic, and I’m confident this bridge will make a real difference for those who walk, wheel and cycle around the city,” he said.
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Contractor Alun Griffiths also dubbed the bridge “an exceptional piece of infrastructure” that would have repercussions “for generations”.
Council leader Lynn Denham added: “Kepax Bridge is a welcome addition for the people of Worcester, creating a new link to walking and cycling routes on both sides of the Severn.
“The bridge will encourage greener travel, opening up a quicker route across the city by bike, on foot or by wheelchair – resulting in less cars driving into the centre of Worcester.”