Hampton Bridge Cost Escalation Linked to Steel Prices and Design Factors

The rising cost of steel has been cited as the reason for an escalation in the price of a pedestrian and cycle bridge. Local councillors have raised concerns regarding the construction expenses for the Hampton Bridge in Evesham, Worcestershire, which have more than tripled from an initial estimate of £4.26m in 2021. Councillor Matt Jenkins stated that the cost had surged by 375%, reaching £16m, a figure he believes cannot be solely attributed to steel prices. Mark Bayliss, who serves as the county council’s highways chief, acknowledged a substantial rise in steel prices and emphasized the considerable scale of both the bridge and its accompanying walkway. “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,” he said. He further explained that in 2021, at the time permission was granted for the project, the council possessed only an outline for the Hampton Bridge, lacking a detailed design. The bridge currently under construction is “significantly longer” than initially proposed, as it extends across a historic meadow in addition to the River Avon. Jenkins suggested that the council might consider waiting until a complete design and a clearer understanding of costs are established before presenting projects, enabling councillors to make more informed decisions. This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, an entity that covers local councils and other public service bodies. For further updates, follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.