Preston’s Old Tram Bridge could be revived

Levelling Up funds could breathe new life into the historic bridge, under plans announced by Preston City Council.

It has been closed to the public for the past three years due to safety concerns surrounding the bridge’s stability, including degradation of the concrete and corrosion of the steel reinforcement in the trestle supports. This led to numerous petitions to reopen it, mainly from walkers and cyclists who used it as their main access point into the city.

The original bridge was built in 1802 and was restored during the 20th century. The current bridge piers, which are made of reinforced concrete, date back to the 1930s. The pre-stressed concrete deck dates to the 1960s.

Preston City Council has received a petition with 946 signatories who want the council to secure funding for the bridge by submitting a bid through the second round of the Levelling Up Fund. It is estimated to cost around £6m for the bridge to be entirely rebuilt or undergo significant repairs.

• Read more: Local enthusiasts launch design competition for Old Tram Bridge

Chris Hayward, director of development and housing at Preston City Council, confirmed Preston City Council’s intentions.

“A report for the Cabinet meeting on 20th April recommends inclusion of the replacement of the Tram Bridge for consideration in our Levelling Up Fund Bid as part of a package of schemes which focuses on increasing people’s health and wellbeing, through improving our parks, providing first-class sports and recreational facilities and encouraging active travel,” he said.

The bid is expected to be submitted at the beginning of July this year.

The £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund was announced by the government last year, to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life in the UK.

North West projects received £232m of the £1.7bn awarded in the first round.

Like in the first phase, the maximum amount a project can receive is £20m. However, large transport and culture projects can receive up to £50m.