A BOLD bid to refurbish the city’s iconic street lantern columns on Worcester Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of this week as the final eight restored columns and lanterns are reinstated.
The columns, and their lanterns, were removed from the Grade II listed bridge earlier this year, so Worcestershire County Council could carry out a full refurbishment, restoring them back to their original condition.
The eight columns on the Cathedral side of the bridge were successfully restored to full working order and reinstated on the bridge in May.
This week will see the final eight columns and lanterns on the western side replaced under a lane closure with traffic going into city down to a single lane over the bridge.
It is expected all lanterns will be fully working in October.
The columns, dating back to the 1930s, have deteriorated following decades of exposure to river flooding conditions, as well as suffering corrosion and general wear and tear.
Coun Mike Rouse, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear all the columns and lanterns have now been fully refurbished and I look forward to seeing them back where they belong on the bridge.
“They are an asset to Worcester’s heritage, and I am pleased they will shine once again in the city. These lamps are notable survivals of a type of street lighting which are increasingly rare, and I am impressed they were able to be restored to their former glory.
“I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in this project, which has been delivered within the expected timeframe, despite a number of challenges”
