Residents invited to share memories of Old Tram Bridge ahead of replacement’s opening

Residents are being invited by Preston City Council to share their photographs and memories of the historic tram bridge for a special exhibition.

The exhibition will showcase images of local people with the old tram bridge and will feature during the community opening of the new £6.6 million bridge on 22 May.

Linking Avenham Park in Preston city centre with Penwortham in South Ribble, the original 1802 structure was closed indefinitely in February 2019 due to fears of its instability and likelihood to collapse.

However, seven years on, residents will be able to horse-ride, cycle or walk across the new steel and wood bridge spanning 130m and weighing 140 tonnes.

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A spokesperson for Preston City Council said: “There has been an overwhelming response and public interest since the bridge’s closure seven years ago. The exhibition aims to honour the history and significance of the original tram bridge while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter with the rebuilt Tram Bridge.”

Residents who would like to be considered for inclusion in the exhibition are encouraged to submit a photograph, along with their name and a short memory or reflection about the bridge to communications@preston.gov.uk by Thursday 14 May.

Preston City Council said the submission “could be a family photo on a day out in the park, an image from an event with the Tram Bridge in the background, a picture of a family pet, or a landscape or nature‑inspired photo – it’s up to you!”

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