Work starts on £4m Queen’s Park Bridge repair

Heywood-based BDB Special Projects is leading the project to repair and strengthen the 1930s bridge over the River Roch.

The civil engineer and concrete repair company has today commenced work on the 12-month Queen’s Park Bridge project for Rochdale Council. The bridge spans 136 metres and connects Heywood and Rochdale.

BDB’s to-do list includes resurfacing the road, installing recreations of the original green-and-gold steel lighting columns, replacing concrete barriers, as well as fixing the bridge’s concrete and parapets.

“We’re aware that these changes will cause some disruption, but it’s a very old structure and these repairs are vital if the bridge is to continue operating well into the future,” said Ben Dobson, director at BDB.

He added later: “Although we work all over the country, it’s particularly satisfying to deliver this project on our doorstep in an area we know so well.

“Many of our staff live in the Heywood area and we also intend to use local companies for the supply of materials, equipment and sub-contractors where possible.”

Cllr Shah Wazir, far left, with members of the BDB team as they prepare to repair the Queen’s Park Bridge. Credit: via Rochdale Council

In addition to using local suppliers, BDB said it would help refurbish a BMX track in Queen’s Park and work with St Michael’s and St Luke’s primary schools.

Cllr Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways, said: “This vital project will see huge investment into this bridge, which has stood proud in this area for over 90 years now.

“I’m pleased to see a Heywood company taking on this important project and I’m delighted to hear about their plans to invest into Queen’s Park and work with local schoolchildren.”

The repair is part of Rochdale’s wider push to revitalise Heywood, a scheme that includes the revamp of the Heywood Civic Centre into a flexible performance venue with a cafe, bar, and accessible toilets.