WORK on Worcester's newest bridge is well underway as sections are now ready to be put into place.

The multi-million pound Kepax Bridge project in Gheluvelt Park will see a new walking and cycling bridge reach from Gheluvelt Park to the former Kepax landfill site in Worcester.

Construction work up until now had only focused on the structural bases of the bridge and foundations. However, work on the main bridge has now started.

With the use of three cranes weighing in at 500t, 300t and 250t, the structural steel piers and pylon have been lifted and installed into place. 

Worcester News: Some sections of the bridge being lifted into place in December.Some sections of the bridge being lifted into place in December. (Image: Worcestershire County Council)Segments of the curved bridge deck have been welded together and assembled on site while positioned on trestles and are being prepared to be lifted into place.

Worcestershire County Council will now draw their attention to lifting the curve deck section into place along with the straight deck sections.

It will involve complex lifting arrangements with up to three cranes working simultaneously to put each part into its place. 

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "A lead crane will lift and support deck sections into place with tailing cranes lifting cable stays that will, ultimately, carry the forces and support the deck sections as they span the river. 

Worcester News: Close-up of one of the three pylon sections.Close-up of one of the three pylon sections. (Image: Worcestershire County Council)"Barges will be launched into the river and fitted with elevated working platforms, where operatives will be working to gain access to the bridge deck sections being lifted over the river.

"In the lead up to the lifts, clearways will be imposed on the delivery routes to allow access for the deliveries of cranes and bridge deck sections to the site.

"Following the completion of bridge lifts, stone used for the construction of crane pads will be removed from the site by tipper trucks in preparedness for landscaping."

The new bridge came after the council was told it could not be trusted to use the money for walking and cycling correctly until it improved as part of a 'zero' rating by government body Active Travel England.

The rating was given to the council for not even meeting the 'minimum standards' of political leadership on boosting walking and cycling in the county and for its lacklustre track record of providing improvements.

The bridge project is expected to be completed this year.