Despite hopes that Newtown’s new bridge would be open before the end of 2024, work on the bridge will continue into the New Year.

Powys County Council has confirmed that work on the new cycle and pedestrian active travel bridge over the River Severn in Newtown is expected to continue into 2025, in what the council called “disappointing news”.

The latest delay marking another setback from the bridge’s planned opening in Spring and then Autumn of 2024, having been lifted into place in June.

Since then, work has been ongoing to install the bridge deck, construct the connecting paths and complete the surrounding landscaping and outside gym area.

However, the council has revealed that while the contractors are still waiting for some components that will form part of the safety barrier on each side of the bridge, which the council describes as “vitally important”, the bridge remains unfinished.

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The bridge builders are waiting for the parts for this last piece to be manufactured, tested and delivered from Switzerland. Currently it is estimated that this crucial last element of the bridge build will be installed in the New Year.

Once this last part of the construction process has been completed, an opening date will be confirmed.

On this development, a spokesperson for Powys Council added that “although this may be disappointing news to residents the safety of users is a priority”.

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

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, says, “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.

 “We would also like to thank the local community for their co-operation throughout this project. We know they are as eager as us to see the bridge finished and opened to the public as soon as possible.”

The project has been funded by Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales, aiming to connect the riverside path and communities on the west of the River Severn to Pool Road on the east.