Powys County Council has confirmed that work on a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in Newtown is “progressing well”.

Having begun construction in July, the construction firm responsible for the build says it expects the project to be completed and open to the public by spring 2024.

The long-awaited, £1.5 million bridge will span 53 meters and connect the riverside path on the west of the river to Pool Road on the east, forming an active travel route across the river - meaning it will be for walkers and cyclists.

Much of the groundworks, such as clearing and excavation, construction of the bridge foundations and temporary supports to facilitate the assembly of the bridge, already underway. The next stages of the project are due to begin soon.

This will involve sections of the bridge structure being delivered to Kirkhamsfield Depot to be assembled to create the full bridge structure.

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Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: “This bridge will create a safe active travel link between the communities, businesses and amenities on each side of the river and will make such a difference to those living in the local area.

“This project will add to the growing network of active travel routes throughout the county and will make it easier for the people of Newtown to make short journeys such as to work, school or the local shops, by bike or on foot, rather than having to get in the car.”

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JN Bentley was appointed to complete the project, which is being funded by the Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales.

The bridge superstructure has been fabricated and painted offsite in contractor premises based in Wrexham and Mold, whilst JN Bentley are expecting to be able to lift the complete bridge structure into place by crane by the end of January.

Cllr Charlton added: “We appreciate that during the construction of a project of this size there will be a certain amount of disruption to the local area, and we apologise for any inconvenience and thank the local community for their patience and understanding whilst we work hard to get the bridge finished and open to the public.”