The final stages of work are being undertaken on the new tram bridge spanning the River Ribble at Avenham Park.
Blog Preston can confirm the bridge will not open during April to the public but it remains on track for a Spring opening – according to the Town Hall.
Since the new tram bridge sections were lifted into place before Christmas the work has focused on preparing the £8.2million bridge for opening.
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Recent works have included stone masonry work at both ends of the bridge, pilasters which are decorative wall features being placed, the removal of scaffolding and work to remove the compound that was in place on the Penwortham side of the river while the bridge works were taking place.
Work has also been going on to fit and install lighting to the bridge as well is soon taking place to fit handrails.
In the weeks ahead Preston City Council say contractors Eric Wright Group need to finish surfacing works on the Avenham Park side of the bridge.
Watch an aerial view of the new tram bridge, taken within the past week or so, below or on our YouTube channel
While it has also emerged the length of the Old Tram Bridge Road which runs down to The Cawsey on the South Ribble side is to be fully resurfaced.
Seeding of the south side banks also needs to be carried out.
Blog Preston understands confirmation of the actual date for the bridge to be opened – which will involve an official opening ceremony – is to be released in the next fortnight and is likely to be during the course of May.
During the lifting of the four bridge sections huge crowds packed the banks of the river to watch the giant crane haul them into place.
Watch another fly-over of the new tram bridge
The replacement bridge was installed after the previous Old Tram Bridge was declared unsafe in 2019 and closed to the public. Demolition took place in 2024 with funding coming from the previous Levelling Up Fund from government topped up by contributions the city council and Lancashire County Council.
Connecting the city centre to Walton-le-Dale and Penwortham the tram bridge is seen as a key route for encouraging people to walk and cycle, and it is also popular as a bridleway with horse riders.
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