A KEY city river crossing will reopen within weeks after county council chiefs revealed the revamp of Sabrina Bridge will move forward significantly before Christmas.
The bridge was originally built in 1992 by Worcester City Council and this was the first major refurbishment which has taken place since it became operational.
To allow for the refurbishment to take place, the main span of the bridge was removed in sections using specialist cranes in mid-October. The main span was then moved off site so the refurbishment works could take place.
Whilst the main span is away from site, other works to the ramps and stairs are being completed. Once the offsite refurbishment is completed, the cranes will return and the main span will be carefully lifted back into place, section by section.
The main span of the newly refurbished bridge will have a design life of 120 years, although some individual components may need to be replaced earlier as part of the asset’s maintenance programme.
Ideally the refurbishment work would have taken place over the summer but it was not possible due to a number of factors including the Covid-19 outbreak and the availability of specialist steel.
Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways, said: “The major refurbishment taking place on Sabrina Bridge includes complete replacement of the steel for the bridge span, a brand-new composite deck which will perform better and have increased longevity, the repainting of the handrails, ramps, stairs and main mast and increased handrail height for added safety.
“We’re working hard to get this important and complex scheme open before Christmas.”
Whilst the bridge is due to re-open later this month, this is subject to weather conditions and any impact of Covid-19.
Landscaping and other finishing touches are planned for completion early in the new year.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/sabrinabridge for more.
