A draft highway layout for the new bridge at Colwall has now been drawn up.
The new bridge deck will be the same overall dimensions as the existing bridge and provide a 4.5m carriageway, 1.7m footway and a 3m combined footway and cycleway over the bridge.
Traffic crossing the new bridge will be single way, controlled by traffic signals, and vehicles up to 40 tonnes will be able to cross it.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "The design of the new bridge will improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles crossing the bridge as well as controlling traffic speeds.
"Some concern has already been expressed over the proposed
alternating single way flow of traffic, and controlled by way of
signals as has been happening over the past few years. The current
width of the footpath on the existing bridge is too narrow and does
not comply with current standards. Widening the bridge overall to
provide two-way traffic as well as the required width for footways
would increase the cost, change the design, require more land and
take far more time " he added.
During construction works, due to start in October, there will be a
temporary footbridge.
Works on the new bridge are permitted development because the existing bridge was authorised by an Act of Parliament. Network Rail will make a submission to Herefordshire Council's planning department under this legislation.
Colwall Parish Council and Malvern Hill Conservators will receive a copy of the plans and be able to comment on them before the final design is produced. Colwall Bridge remains open to light traffic but there have been problems with one of the barriers being removed.
Councillor Wilcox said: "The present route over the bridge has been checked by our engineers and, while we appreciate it is narrow, the barriers are there out of necessity rather than choice. Public safety has to be our top priority and I would urge people to keep to the designated route and bear with us until the new bridge has been constructed."