Demolition to start on city's historic tram bridge

With only two pillars in the river, the new bridge will have less impact on the water

The demolition of a 200-year-old bridge is set to start later.

The tram bridge in Preston, which links Avenham Park and Penwortham, was shut in 2019 due to a risk of collapse.

Work has begun on a £6.6m project to replace the landmark after structural defects were discovered.

The demolition will take a number of weeks and marks a "significant moment for the project", Preston city councillor Valerie Wise said.

The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-September

It will involve creating an access track into the river and using a large excavator to cut the bridge into sections before lifting it out and removing it from the site.

The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-September.

In partnership with the Environment Agency and local ecologists, the project team have timed it to avoid impacts to smelt and coarse fish spawning in the River Ribble.

County councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: "Providing good sustainable transport links that allow people to stay healthy by enjoying the outdoors is a key aspect of our levelling up ambitions.

"The new bridge will restore an important active travel route between South Ribble and Preston city centre for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders."

The tram bridge will be replaced with a new bridge that supports sustainability and with only two pillars in the river, it will have less impact on the water, architect John Bridge said.

It is hoped the crossing, funded by Levelling Up cash and Lancashire County Council, will open in 2026.