Bridge fitted at Altrincham Interchange
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Transport for Greater Manchester has released a timelapse video of the 45-tonne steel bridge being installed at the new £19m Altrincham Interchange, signalling a major milestone for the creation of the new bus-rail-tram station.
The steel structure, which will have glazed sides and metal roof, was lifted from the Oakfield Road Car Park in the early hours of Sunday 13 April by contractor Laing O'Rourke.
A 750-tonne mobile crane was used to lift the two preformed segments of the bridge into place. The first segment was 16m-long and weighed 25 tonnes, while the second was 11.5m-long and weighed 20 tonnes. The two segments were then joined together at the central platform support structure.
Work was carried out overnight on Saturday to minimise disruption to commuters.
The bridge will cross both the Network Rail and Metrolink lines, improving passenger access to four platforms via stairs and lifts.
Peter Boulton, head of programme management services at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: "The construction of the bridge is excellent news as it is a very visual element of the scheme and passengers will now be able to really see the new, modern interchange taking shape.
"The bridge will improve passenger access to all four platforms, through new stairs and lifts, which is a key motivation behind the whole project.
"When complete, the new multi-modal interchange will improve facilities for passengers and the integration of transport modes whilst simultaneously being sympathetic to the heritage of the original facility."
The redevelopment of the interchange is due to be completed later in 2014.
