Bridge construction underway as interchange completion nears
The first section of a skylink bridge forming part of Bolton’s £48m road-rail transport interchange has been installed at Newport Place.
The first steel span making up the bridge, which will connect the new interchange with Bolton railway station, was put in place on Sunday night by a 750-tonne Ainscough crane.
The span is 3.6 metres high, 3.8 metres wide, 20.1 metres long, weighs 30.5 tonnes and oversees the interchange’s bus apron.
Following this successful installation, the remaining three sections of the 100m bridge will be lifted into place during overnight works in the coming weeks.
The transport interchange is being delivered by main contractor Kier Group on behalf of TfGM in partnership with Bolton Council, and forms part of the regeneration of Newport Street. The interchange is due to open in the coming months.
The construction of the bridge is being carried out by Murphy Group, under the project management of Network Rail.
TfGM committee chair, Cllr Andrew Fender, said: “The skylink bridge is a vital part of the interchange project and will provide much greater integration between bus and rail services, which is a key motivation behind the entire scheme.
“So the installation of the first section really provides an obvious landmark and demonstration of progress.
“When complete later this year, the new interchange will transform a key gateway into the town centre and provide much-improved facilities for passengers.”