Kepax Bridge – ADC

Moxon Architects, working alongside Jacobs, has delivered Kepax Bridge, a striking 145-metre-long pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning the River Severn in Worcester. Commissioned by Worcestershire County Council, the bridge is the city’s third dedicated solely to active travel and aims to be a key step in enhancing connectivity between Worcester’s historic core, its residential suburbs, and the surrounding green corridor.

Named after the 19th-century Kepax Ferry that once operated nearby, the bridge creates a new link between Gheluvelt Park to the east and a rehabilitated landfill site to the west. The ‘hockey stick’ alignment of the bridge deck allows the structure to integrate with existing riverside pathways, facilitating uninterrupted access while elevating key sections above flood-prone areas.

The bridge’s eastern approach begins in the historic Gheluvelt Park, where its deck initially parallels the river before curving westward to span the Severn. Anchored by a 29-metre-tall, A-shaped pylon nestled within a wooded corner of the park, the slender steel structure is supported by a series of cables and piers. These elements minimise disruption to the willow carr woodland and open field that frame its landing points.

Finished in a dark blue-green hue, the bridge looks to mimic the palette of its natural surroundings, while its ribbed soffit highlights the structure’s sweeping geometry when viewed from below.

The four-metre-wide crossing, which features a slip-resistant walking surface, has been designed to comfortably accommodate both leisure users and commuters. Meanwhile, a crafted parapet, composed of inward-leaning stainless-steel rods, provides further safety for cyclists and pedestrians while offering a sculptural rhythm along the deck.

The deck’s slender profile is supported by cables spaced at 12-metre intervals, complemented by piers beneath the western approach, creating a system that ensures minimal ecological impact on the riverbanks and parkland. In line with this, meadow restoration adjacent to the bridge and woodland preservation initiatives nearby also look to promote biodiversity.

Ezra Groskin, director of Moxon Architects, remarked, “Kepax Bridge is an important, climate-change resilient addition to Worcester’s civic infrastructure, forming a much-needed crossing over the River Severn. It connects residents in the city’s north-western suburbs to jobs in the centre and leisure amenities in the adjacent Gheluvelt Park and beyond. While we hope the new bridge will become a landmark that local people are proud of, combining functionality with delight has been our primary concern throughout the project.”

Public consultation played a central role in shaping the bridge’s design, balancing civic ambition with the needs of local residents. Officially opened on 5 December 2024 by Paralympic gold-medalist Rebecca Redfern MBE, the bridge now serves as a key artery for active travel in Worcester, helping to reduce traffic and encourage healthier lifestyles.

Kate Kenny, senior vice president at Jacobs, noted, “Leveraging our extensive expertise in innovative bridge solutions, we are proud to have contributed to the successful delivery of the Kepax Bridge. This vital infrastructure project now provides a crucial link for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to reduce traffic and support health and wellbeing in the community. The new bridge will significantly enhance connectivity, enrich community life, and benefit the local economy and environment.”

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for highways and transport, added, “The response at the opening event was fantastic, and I’m confident this bridge will make a real difference for those who walk, wheel, and cycle around the city. Improving active travel routes is a key priority for us, and this bridge is a game-changer for both Worcester and the wider county. A huge thank you to everyone involved in this project.”