New Abbey Bridge pictures revealed

Buy photos » Thess artist’s impressions shows how the new Abbey Bridge and Viaduct will look. The new design will keep pedestrians away from the road. (s)

THE FIRST pictures of how Evesham's new Abbey Bridge and Viaduct will look have been unveiled.

Although the design looks similar to the current structure, council chiefs said it was the best option available to them as it will mean the bridge is only closed to traffic for ten weeks - considerably less than the 12 months first anticipated.

Work on the £12.86million project is set to start in October and will take a year to complete with the total closure planned for June, July and August next year.

The link will remain open throughout to pedestrians along with cyclists and motorcyclists who will be asked to dismount before crossing.

For the rest of the construction period the bridge will keep two lanes open to traffic.

The contract has gone to Hochtief Construction who have vast experience in bridge design and building. Its portfolio of work includes the replacement of the Paddington Bridge in London and the Stratford Bridge 12 which is set to link the Olympic Park to the Stratford City development.

Coun John Smith, responsible for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council, said he was pleased disruption would be kept to a minimum.

"Getting things right during the competitive tender process was vital to ensure the contract was awarded to the contractor aiming to keep any potential disruption to a minimum, whilst at the same time replacing this vital link offering the best value for money for the taxpayer," he said.

"Keeping Evesham 'Open for Business' is a key priority and the good news is the closure period is expected to be around ten weeks rather than the 12 months originally anticipated when work first began on this project.

"Ensuring local people and businesses are informed throughout has also been, and will continue to be, very important. This is why we're asking people to tell us what they think about the traffic management options so we know what the feeling in the area is before any final decision is made allowing people plenty of time to plan ahead."

There are currently two options on the table to move traffic around the town while the bridge is completely closed.

The first idea is to temporarily make Mill Street two-way and divert eastbound traffic down Oat Street and westbound traffic along Swan Lane with traffic lights to manage the flow of vehicles.

The second option is to keep Mill Street one-way and divert eastbound traffic along the currently pedestrianised Bridge Street.

Residents and traders can have their say on the diversions and find out more about the scheme next Wednesday (February 22) between 4pm and 7pm at Evesham Town Hall.

Another consultation is planned for the Riverside Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 3 between 11am and 3pm. Council officers will be at both events to answer questions.

People have until April 20 to have their say on the plans and can do so online at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/abbeybridge.