The highly-anticipated new bridge crossing the River Severn in Newtown will be lifted into place next week – but it will be open to the public later than planned.

Powys County Council announced that weather permitting the 88-tonne cycle and pedestrian bridge will be installed by crane on Thursday, June 27.

Local residents, members of the public and others will be asked to stay outside a temporary exclusion zone to keep people safe.

The bridge was expected to open in late spring however the council now says it is anticipated that the bridge will be open to cyclists and pedestrians later in the summer, with an official opening planned for early autumn.

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Funded by Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales, the steel, single span, open arch structure will span approximately 53 metres and connect the riverside path and communities on the west of the River Severn to Pool Road on the east.

Powys County Council’s Chief Officer for Place Matt Perry said: “All being well, and without any disruptions from the weather, the construction firm responsible for the bridge build, JN Bentley, are planning to lift the 88-tonne bridge structure into place by crane on Thursday 27 June.

“The exact timings of the lift will be dependent on the weather conditions on the day.

The bridge will cross the River Severn from Pool Road to the river path near Canal Road in Newtown.The bridge will cross the River Severn from Pool Road to the river path near Canal Road in Newtown. (Image: Anwen Parry/County Times)

“During the lifting process, a temporary exclusion zone around part of the depot and surrounding area will be put in place and managed by marshals to ensure everyone is kept safe.

“Local residents, members of the public and others will be asked to remain outside of the zone whilst the bridge is moved into position. Our teams will be visiting affected households and businesses in person to ensure they are aware of arrangements.

“We thank the local community for their co-operation throughout this project and remind them to follow any instructions and advice provided by the marshals on the day.”

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Initially fabricated and painted offsite, the individual sections of bridge were delivered to Kirkhamsfield Depot and assembled to create the full superstructure.

Alongside the construction of the steelwork, groundworks to complete the foundations and creation of the abutments on each side of the river have also been completed.

Powys County Council said the bridge will create a safe active travel link between the communities, businesses and amenities on each side of the river.

The local authority added that the 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.