The structure has been closed for more than a year after an assessment found that it had reached the end of its ‘usable life’.
Before it can be replaced, water mains and electrical cables attached to the bridge have to be removed and diverted.
The water pipes will be re-routed beneath the river bed, a process which will take 15 weeks.
Then UK Power Networks will spend a further eight weeks to replace the electricity network. After that, a new bridge can be installed.
Council officials have been examining the stability of the foundations, taking advantage of the EA’s regular review of the river.
A new bridge has already been sourced by Andrew Young, the council’s engineering manager for technical services.
Last month’s meeting of the Tonbridge Forum was told the replacement bridge might be open in time for the summer holidays.
But it is now hoped the works will be completed in time for the start of the new school year.
