WORK to relpace Worcester Bridge’s “embarrassing” footpaths will begin next week it has been confirmed.
It comes after a year-long campaign by Coun Richard Udall who first urged council bosses to fix the broken slabs and tarmac in February 2013 after receiving a number of complaints from residents in his St John’s ward.
The repaving is set to start on Monday (May 12) with the existing slabs replaced with heritage stone and kerbs to match the existing footpaths next to the bridge and take about four weeks.
To minimise disruption in the city centre, work will take place between 7pm and 6am, with a carriageway on each side of the bridge closed and slabs and other materials will be cut off site to reduce the amount of noise for surrounding residents.
The bridge will be open to pedestrians and traffic as normal with all materials removed during the day and work will not take place when Worcestershire next play at New Road and on race nights.
Coun Udall said he was delighted the pathways would finally fit in with the beautiful surroundings.
“This is great news. Many St John’s residents have complained to me about the poor condition of these footpaths and they are in desperate need of replacement,” he said.
“It will make the bridge an attractive place for residents and tourists alike.
“It is a wonderful location to view both the river and the cathedral; residents will no longer be distracted by the disgraceful condition of the footpath.
“I am so pleased that the new footpath will be in place before the summer and will allow visitors to Worcester to enjoy our riverside walks.
“The poor quality of the footpaths on the bridge will now cease to be an embarrassment to the city.”
Councillor John Smith, cabinet member with responsibility for highways added: “The county council is working hard to ensure that the reconstruction works have little impact on both pedestrians and motorists who use the Worcester Bridge.
“We are conscious of the safety requirements of all staff carrying out the works and as such there may be a little disruption to accommodate this. However, it must be stressed that no works will take place on Worcester Race or Cricket days.
“This will also be the case for major events that take place at Worcester Arena.”
