UK Paralympic gold-medallist Rebecca Redfern MBE cut the ribbon to officially open the new Kepax Bridge in Worcester.
The walking and cycling bridge spans the River Severn, and has been constructed to reduce road traffic and encouraging healthier, more sustainable travel options for residents, visitors, and students.
The event, hosted by Worcestershire County Council on December 5, saw invited guests gather to witness Redfern, who clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, declare the bridge officially open.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Today is a milestone for Worcester, and I’m thrilled to see this incredible bridge open. 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.
“Improving active travel routes is a key priority for us, and this bridge is a game-changer for both Worcester and the wider county. A huge thank you to everyone involved in this project, and special thanks to the residents for their patience during the construction phase.”
Although the bridge is now open for use, there are a few finishing touches to be completed in the park, including landscaping works, which will be wrapped up in spring 2025.
The opening comes after collaboration between multiple stakeholders to bring the bridge to life, connecting Gheluvelt Park on the east side of the river to St John’s on the west.
Gary Woodman, chief executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Local Enterprise Partnership are delighted to welcome the completion of the Kepax Bridge project, which will enhance physical connectivity across Worcester and encourage sustainable travel for residents and visitors alike. Supported via the UK Government’s Getting Building Fund, this new pedestrian and cycle crossing will not only improve access to nearby residential areas, the University, and Worcester’s beautiful green spaces, but will also create new opportunities for leisure and active travel.
“The new Kepax Bridge will help to unlock some of the city’s open spaces and support the city’s growth as a sustainable and thriving community.”
Worcester City Council Leader, Lynn Denham said: “Kepax Bridge is a welcome addition for the people of Worcester, creating a new link to walking and cycling routes on both side of the Severn. Thanks to our partnership work with the County Council more residents will be able to travel across the river and directly access Pitchcroft and our Green Flag-winning Gheluvelt Park.
“The bridge will also 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. I’m pleased that the City Council has been able to provide funding towards the cost of the bridge as part of our Town Investment Plan Active Travel project, which also included the Beryl Bikeshare scheme.”
The works to build the cable-supported bridge, were carried out by principal contract Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd and the impressive structure was designed by Jacobs and Moxon.
The bridge will allow users to enjoy a figure-of-eight route along the River Severn, from Diglis Bridge in the south to Sabrina Bridge near the city centre and this new bridge in the north.
