Out with the old, in with the new Tram Bridge

Representatives from Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the main contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering, met on the banks of the River Ribble today to mark the next big milestone in the life of Preston's famous Tram Bridge.

The Old Tram Bridge, which has been a key transport and active travel link for visitors and commuters between Preston and South Ribble for over 200 years, has been demolished in just 14 days, ahead of the projected timetable, making way for a new bridge to be installed.  

The new tram bridge project, costing around £8m is a key project within the City Council's 'Active Preston' programme, which is delivering over £20m of sustainable active travel and park regeneration schemes across the city.

Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said:

"This is a rare and historic occasion, a small snapshot in history where, for a brief moment Preston is without it's iconic Tram Bridge. Today is the start of a new era for our bridge which will continue to deliver a really important sustainable active travel route in and out of the city for pedestrians, cyclists (and horses!) We can't wait to see the construction commence which will serve our residents for many more generations to come."

Cllr Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council, said:

"The new bridge will restore an important active travel route between South Ribble and Preston city centre for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

"Providing good sustainable transport links that help people to stay healthy is a key aspect of our levelling up ambitions and is why we have contributed £1m to this worthwhile project."

What's next?

• Work on the foundations for the first of two piers in the river will start soon in order to complete before the winter period.
• Work to the abutments and the land pier can then be completed before work starts on the second river pier in Summer 2025.
• The bridge will be lifted into place in Autumn next year and work will complete by early 2026.

In partnership with the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation, the project team has taken significant measures to minimise the environmental impact of the demolition.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering spokesperson Diane Bourne, Managing Director said:

"We are looking forward to delivering this much needed bridge, that will restore a link between Preston and South Ribble. Our team has considerable experience in highways and infrastructure improvements, especially the design and installation of bridges. We're proud to have been appointed to this significant project that is in the heart of our community and will bring benefits to the local community for years to come."

The new Tram Bridge is being delivered by Preston City Council part-funded by the £20m grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) with an additional £1m from Lancashire County Council who are supporting and project managing the construction of the bridge alongside Eric Wright Civil Engineering.

Boasting a projected life span of 120 years, the bridge will provide a sustainable long term active travel route with minimal environmental impact.

The design, created by DYSE Structural Engineers and visualised by local architect Studio John Bridge, was unveiled earlier this year and reflects both the needs of the local community and the picturesque setting of the bridge.

There is a free drop in exhibition on the history of the Tram Bridge located at the Pavilion Café, Avenham Park. The café is open Sunday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday 9:30am to 5pm.

Further information

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.