A BUSY city footbridge has had its ramp raised in an effort to combat challenges brought on after flooding.

Part of the eastern ramp of Sabrina Bridge in Worcester has been raised after a natural ‘low spot’ developed, which resulted in pools of water gathering after rainfall.   

The work, which has taken place this week, saw Worcestershire County Council reinstate the footway back to the correct grade, allowing everyone to have access across the ramp.   

Cllr Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport said:  “The flooding on the ramp has repeatedly been a problem recently and we are keen to ensure that Sabrina Bridge is as accessible as possible before the onset of winter.  

“The footbridge is incredibly well used, providing a link between the city centre to businesses, amenities, and university buildings on the west side of the river. 

“The bridge is an essential part of our walking and cycling network and we believe that maintaining the bridge will benefit all who use it and ensure that it has a long future ahead of it.”   

Sabrina Bridge was first opened in 1992.

A major refurbishment was completed in March 2021 including the replacement of the bridge steelwork, a brand-new composite bridge deck, a complete repaint, and the introduction of dampers to reduce bridge movement. 

In 2022, the bridge won a civil engineering award for improvements made as part of its major refurbishment.

Storm Babet lashed the city with the river Severn bursting its banks, flash flooding and road closures widespread.

Major roads such as Hylton Road were closed as was the Diglis footbridge and Eckington Bridge, near Pershore.

Storm Ciaran has not affected the city to the same extent.

However, we reported on Thursday, the  Met Office warned that heavy rain associated with Storm Ciarán is likely to bring disruption to parts of Worcestershire.

Field officers from the Environment Agency visited the Kempsey pumping station on the river Severn to check the river level.