THE base of Eastham Bridge was replaced over the weekend, as the project to rebuild it nears completion.
The river bridge collapsed in May last year in front of a school bus but builders beat the elements to install steel beams.
Drivers have had to overcome a detour of 10 miles since the Grade II listed crossing gave way, but the bridge is expected to re-open to traffic in two months.
Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for highways said: "I am delighted that despite the weather from the last few days we were able to get the steel beams lifted into place.
"Any adverse weather that would have prevented this would have potentially caused delay which we obviously did not want."
The 18th century bridge, near Tenbury Wells, was found to have collapsed last year because of fast-flowing water.
The bus driver managed to reverse off the bridge and escape a serious accident as the bridge crumbled into the river below.
The bridge is on target to be fully completed in the summer and to open under traffic management in the spring whilst the final touches are being added.
The beams were lowered into position over the weekend by a 500 tonne crane.
Drivers were forced to follow a diversion route via the B4202 and A456 whilst the work was being done, with the A443 closed from Friday night at 7pm until 6am this morning (Monday).
The overall length of the bridge will be 33 metres, which will cover the length of the River Teme.
The total weight will be 84 tonnes, the weight of 15 mature male African elephants.