THE price of steel is being blamed for the increased cost of a walking and cycling bridge in Evesham.

Worcestershire county councillors have questioned why the cost of building the Hampton Bridge has more than trebled from an estimated £4.26 million in 2021.

Speaking at a full council meeting on Thursday (November 7), Cllr Matt Jenkins said: “Now the total cost estimate is £16m and we’re paying over half.

EXPENSIVE: The Kepax bridge in Worcester, which is under constructionEXPENSIVE: The Kepax bridge in Worcester, which is under construction (Image: Worcestershire County Council)

“That’s an increase of 375 percent, which in three years is not all down to the cost of steel.

“And it’s not the only case. The Kepax bridge - original estimate £5.8m, expected cost over £17m. Why are our cost estimates so far below reality?”

Cllr Dan Boatright-Greene said he had unanswered questions about why the costs had risen by so much.

Highways and transport chief Marc Bayliss said: “The price of steel has significantly increased since we put the cabinet report through in 2021.

“This is a significant structure, not just the bridge but the walkway, which is above the floodplain, is also a steel construction. That accounts for the majority of the increase.

“We also have a contingency in the budget so we will not need to return to council. There is no skullduggery here - it is simply a reflection of market costs.”

READ MORE: Cost of Hampton Bridge project has trebled in three years

Cllr Bayliss admitted that in 2021 the council didn’t have a design for the Hampton bridge - only an outline - so the bridge being built is “significantly longer” than what was first suggested because it spans a historic meadow as well as the Avon.

Cllr Jenkins said maybe council should wait until it has a design and a better idea of costs before coming forward with projects, so councillors can make informed decisions.

Leader Simon Geraghty said: “Many organisations have seen capital projects increase quite dramatically in relation to costs, materials, people to actually build bridges, and we go through a competitive process to do that. We’re not unique in Worcestershire.

“We believe in investing in walking and cycling in Worcestershire and taking these schemes forward. You’re absolutely right in saying we’ve suffered cost inflation in a number of projects but that’s not abnormal for many authorities across the country.”