A £2 MILLION replacement for Worcestershire's collapsed Eastham Bridge is coming along - with foundation work starting to get underway.
In recent weeks contractors have been moving overhead cables, clearing debris and piling in with heavy duty machinery ready to drill down.
They have also created a 'cofferdam' on the site - a temporary structure which prevents water from entering the working area - to allow the foundation construction.
Some of the stonework that was recovered from the water after the original bridge collapsed is being cleaned with the aim of re-using it as cladding on the new one.
Worcestershire County Council also says in early January the huge steel bridge decking will arrive and be lifted into position.
The leadership at County Hall says they are confident the new structure is on track for April.
Cllr Marcus Hart, the cabinet member for highways, said: "I'm pleased we have now moved into the next phase of this important project designed to re-connect the village of Eastham as early as is possible.
"The works is currently progressing well - we do always have to be conscious of how the winter weather may affect our plans, however it is currently on track for the spring."
The current traffic lights on the A443 will remain in place 24 hours a day so the northern section of the bridge can progress, says the council.
Extra gritting has also been carried out on the roads around Eastham, with the more minor routes being used much more heavily.
Back in May this year the old 18th century structure crumbled into the river right in front of a school bus with 11 children on board, with the brave actions of their driver narrowly averting disaster.
An investigation later found the fast-moving water had slowly eroded its piers, with some locals blaming lorry drivers for ignoring weight restrictions at the site, in Tenbury.
Council chiefs have long ruled out erecting a temporary bridge in its place, saying due to the area being classed a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' it would have taken months to get full planning permission.
It also emerged yesterday how the village is planning a party once the new bridge is open.
Barbara Crabb, 50, who lives in the village, said: "We can't want for things to get back to normal."
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