Works on the Tram Bridge come to a close in 2024

Eric Wright Civil Engineering, the principal contractor for the new Tram Bridge project, will be scaling back the construction site during the winter months and resuming work in Spring 2025.

Visitors to Avenham Park will notice the removal of the site infrastructure on the southern side of the River Ribble in December. This planned pause was always part of the project timeline, designed to avoid the challenges posed by adverse weather and environmental restriction over winter.

The replacement of the Bridge, announced in Spring 2024, is being delivered by Preston City Council using part of its £20 million grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), with an additional £1 million from Lancashire County Council.

Since the release of images that showcase the new look Tram Bridge nine months ago, significant progress has been made. Following the momentous demolition of the old Tram Bridge in September 2024, work has been advancing steadily in preparation for completing the new structure in early 2026.

Before the winter break, Eric Wright Civil Engineering will have achieved a key project milestone: the completion of Pier Two.

Construction on the pier began in mid-September, involving excavation two metres below the riverbed and pouring 30m³ of high-strength reinforced concrete for the foundation.

To safeguard the structure, 35-tonnes of steel sheet piles and bracing were installed, successfully withstanding the severe conditions of recent storms.

In November, work continued on the 8-meter-high pier, with concrete pumped from the south bank. Hi-tech sensors were installed during the process, enabling the safe and efficient removal of temporary steel shutters and allowing temporary works to be cleared from the River Ribble before Christmas.

In partnership with the Environment Agency and local ecologists, the project team has taken significant measures to minimise the environmental impact of the demolition.

Construction will resume in Spring 2025 to complete the remaining piers, and modify the abutments ready for the bridge to be lifted into place in Autumn 2025, marking the next significant phase in the project.

Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council, said:

"We know the people of Preston are deeply invested in this project, and we're thrilled to see it progressing on schedule.

"This year has marked significant milestones, particularly the demolition phase, and we're now eagerly looking ahead to 2025, when the new tram bridge will begin to take shape, a landmark that will stand for generations to come.

"As work wraps up for the year, I'd like to extend my thanks to our contractors for their dedication and hard work in advancing this historic project."

Gavin Hulme, Operations Director, Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd, added:

"Eric Wright Civil Engineering have now successfully completed the first in river structural concrete pier for the new bridge. Our aim was to complete this milestone by the end of this year. We began works later than expected this year due to the complex permitting approvals needed when working in this challenging environment. Despite various storms, high rainfall events and spring tides the site team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the first elements of the permanent structure are now visible and rising from the riverbed as planned.

"We look forward to returning to site next year in better weather to complete the remainder of this landmark structure."

Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council said:

"We have worked in partnership with Preston City council and have contributed £1 million to the project, along with our expertise in design and project management. Once complete, the Tram Bridge will promote sustainable travel in the area. By opening up walking, cycling, and bridleway routes, it will provide healthier travel options and greatly benefit our community. Thank you for all the hard work that has gone into this project so far."

Once Eric Wright Civil Engineering have left the site this winter, the pedestrian route down Old Tram Road will temporarily re-open to pedestrians until construction works start again. Once construction activities restart in Spring 2025 the route will be closed again, until completion of the project.

Temporary footpath re-opened until Spring 2025