CGIs released for Preston’s £7m Old Tram Bridge replacement
Eric Wright Civil Engineering is finalising the design for the Levelling Up Fund project, which will connect the city centre with South Ribble when it completes in spring 2025.
This new bridge has been designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. It will replace the current structure, which has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns. The Old Tram Bridge, as it is known, was built in 1802 and restored in the 20th century but has since had several issues that have raised concerns over its stability.
Preston City Council, which is delivering the bridge alongside project manager Lancashire County Council, is aiming to begin construction this summer.
This, of course, is if the project can secure planning permission.
Funding for the £6.6m scheme comes from the city council’s £20m Levelling Up Fund award from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities. Lancashire County Council has also financially contributed to the project.
Eric Wright is working with architect Studio John Bridge, Bowland Ecology, Smith & Love Consultants, Harris Engineering, DYCE Structural Engineers, and Jacobs to craft the design to ensure the bridge not only works with the flow of the River Ribble it spans but also minimally impacts the surrounding environment.
Community group Friends of the Old Tram Bridge has also been consulted on the project.
According to the project team, the estimated lifetime for this new bridge will be 120 years.
- The bridge would connect South Ribble with Preston City Council. Credit: via Preston City Council
- The bridge would be an active travel link over the River Ribble. Credit: via Preston City Council
Having a local architect involved was important for Preston City Council, with Cllr Vallerie Wise praising Studio John Bridge’s work.
“It has been important to work with a local architect who understands the local context and we aim to provide an opportunity for the community to be kept informed of the proposals,” Wise, who is also the cabinet member for community wealth building and city centre regeneration and development, said.
“It’s important that we get it right and make sure it’s a bridge that stands the test of time, as well as looking good in its surroundings.”
For his part, Studio John Bridge founder John Bridge, said: “It is great to be part of the next chapter in the history of the Tram Road Bridge.
“Since its closure, it has been a huge talking point and as a Prestonian I am so pleased the council has secured through LUF funding,” he continued.
“Since assisting the councils and constructor, it is very impressive to see all the work that has been carried out behind the scenes by all parties, from ecology to logistics and legal departments. I hope with the support of the public and all involved, we’ll deliver this important transport link from the City Parks to South Ribble.”
- The target completion date for the bridge is spring 2025. Credit: via Preston City Council
- Construction is set to begin this summer, if planning permission is secured. Credit: via Preston City Council
Cllr Aidy Riggott, the cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, added that the tram bridge is a “key feature” for this section of the River Ribble and was important for active travel in the county.
“Providing good sustainable transport links and places where people can stay healthy by enjoying the outdoors is a key aspect of our levelling up ambitions, and I’m very pleased to be investing in this project which will benefit people in this area for generations to come,” Riggott said.
Gavin Hulme, operations director at Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said the company was “proud” to work on the project.
“We have worked on numerous complex river bridges in recent years and it is a privilege to be working on one so close to our head office and to contribute towards the long-standing infrastructure of Lancashire,” he said.
A great design – minimal but characterful and in context to its surroundings. Looking forward to crossing this next year.
By Rye
Love this! Well done Preston Council and Studio John Bridge!
By David Cox
This design looks pretty good and hopefully it will last as long as the previous bridge
By Jon P
Really nice and fitting of its surroundings .
Avenham Park is a gem in Preston.
By Katie
This looks great! But don’t be fooled – this isn’t levelling up, it’s just fixing something that has been broken for half a decade.
By Mancunian
Is this what you should be spending precious funds on?? Surely the money could be better spent on more necessary services.
By Anonymous
very interesting, but nothing sensible
By FrbetEcomy
For those saying the money should be spent in other things, it can’t be as it’s LUF funding for a specific purpose. If you don’t deliver those things you lose the money – I’m all for pushing for additional spending but we shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth either and we should be pleased that PCC are delivering some improvements to the bridge and parks around Preston. I certainly am
By Phil Ingham
Will there be any form of lighting on the new bridge?
By Anonymous
Would be like walking through a cage.
No view
By Dave G