THIS is an artist’s impression of what the new Carrington Bridge could look like - if the cash is found for the massive £70 million dualling project.

The Worcester News revealed a year ago the plans to dual the congested bridge had been launched, with council chiefs hoping work on the £70 million revamp can begin in 2019. The work would involve enlarging the bridge and road, between the Ketch and Powick islands, and upgrading the A4440 Southern Link Road.

The scheme would see an additional bridge, featuring two westbound lanes, being built adjacent to the existing Carrington Bridge in order to minimise disruption to drivers throughout the project.

The existing bridge will remain open to traffic for the majority of the duration of works.

Worcestershire County Council is yet to secure funding for the project, but has submitted an application to the Government and says it is confident the money will be provided.

A decision on the funding is expected any time now.

Once completed, the Southern Link Road will be dualled from Junction 7 of the M5 all the way to Powick Roundabout.

The Southern Link Road is one of the county’s most important routes providing a link between Worcester, the M5 and the south of the county and Herefordshire. It also provides an important bypass for the city, and residential areas.

The council says improvement works on the Southern Link Road has been progressing well, including the current works to make improvements between the Norton and Whittington roundabouts.

A series of exhibitions have been taking place for residents and businesses to take a first look at the plans.

The exhibition is taking place at St Johns library between noon and 8pm on Monday.

Another exhibition is being held at St Peter’s Garden Centre on Wednesday between 10am and 6pm, and at Malvern Library between Thursday, June 29 and Sunday, July 1, 10am until 4pm each day.

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: “The improvement works will improve journey times, reduce traffic in the city centre and residential areas and be of huge benefit to local economy.

“It’s great news that we are now in a position to be able to show our plans and gather feedback ahead of submission of a planning application for phase 4 of the improvement scheme.

“One of our biggest priorities is how we minimise disruption as much as possible during the planned works.”

Those unable to make the events, and submit comments, can do so on the council’s website worcestershire.gov.uk.