Steel replaces timber as Preston’s new tram bridge takes shape
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A familiar but long-lost link across the River Ribble is returning to life in Preston, as construction enters a new phase on the replacement tram bridge that once connected Avenham Park with Penwortham. With sections of steel now being hoisted into place, the £6.6 million project is nearing its final chapter after years of delay and anticipation.
The original timber bridge, built in the early 1800s to serve the horse-drawn Lancaster Canal Tramroad, became a popular route for pedestrians and cyclists before it was closed abruptly in 2019 due to serious safety concerns. Following widespread public support for a replacement, demolition of the failing structure began in early 2024.
What is emerging now in its place is a modern, steel-built footbridge designed to last at least 120 years. It is being constructed by Eric Wright Civil Engineering, one of the North West’s most prominent infrastructure firms. Once completed, the structure will once again link the city centre with communities on the south side of the river, playing a critical role in Preston’s broader regeneration and active travel strategy.
A modern design for a historic route
The new bridge retains the spirit of the old, but its construction is firmly rooted in 21st century materials and methods. The structure spans over 120 metres and is supported by two grey piers set in the river. Unlike the original timber crossing, the new bridge is fabricated from dark grey steel, offering both strength and durability. It will serve pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and has been designed with both accessibility and environmental sustainability in mind.
The project has been made possible by a combination of local and national funding, including a share of the UK Government’s £20 million Levelling Up allocation for South Ribble and Preston. Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council have also supported the scheme as part of ongoing efforts to improve transport links and public spaces across the region.
Engineers say the bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure, not just for connectivity but also for encouraging healthier, greener forms of travel. By linking key green spaces on either side of the Ribble, the bridge enhances the utility of Avenham Park and reopens a vital route to South Ribble without the need for car travel.
Engineering the future with care for the past
Progress on the bridge resumed in late November 2025 after a pause over the winter months, driven by seasonal weather risks and a commitment to protect wildlife habitats, particularly breeding salmon in the River Ribble. With the river level stable and winds calm enough to allow for safe lifting operations, the first major sections of the bridge were installed at the start of December.
This feat involved a 75-metre crane with a 114-metre jib, carefully manoeuvring bridge segments into place. The scale of the lift required detailed planning and coordination, with preparations beginning days earlier, including installation of supporting equipment and safety checks.
Over the course of the first week in December, additional spans were guided into position as part of an intense and highly choreographed operation. High winds briefly disrupted the work, but crews returned promptly once conditions improved.
“The project team is working incredibly hard to deliver this important structure safely and on schedule,” said a spokesperson from Eric Wright Civil Engineering. “It is a complex process, but public interest and support have been constant motivators throughout.”
Rebuilding community connections
For many local residents, the reappearance of the tram bridge is more than just a civil engineering achievement. It marks the return of a daily route, a scenic shortcut and a historical landmark. When the bridge closed in 2019, it was walked by thousands each week, forming part of school commutes, dog walks and leisure routes. Its sudden loss left a noticeable gap in the city’s walkable geography.
“The old tram bridge had become a symbol of Preston,” said a local resident watching the work from the Avenham side. “Seeing a new one go up is emotional — it means a lot to people here.”
The renewed crossing is also part of a broader regeneration push along the riverbanks. Both councils have included the bridge within plans to revitalise underused green spaces and create safer, more attractive walking and cycling infrastructure across Preston and South Ribble. The project has even sparked discussions about further riverfront development, including improved lighting, signage and public amenities in nearby parks.
Critically, the bridge offers a car-free connection that aligns with national goals to reduce emissions and promote active lifestyles. As cities across the UK look to decarbonise transport, projects like the Ribble crossing represent a localised but meaningful step in that direction.
Final works and opening timeline
The current lifting phase is expected to finish by mid-December 2025, after which the bridge deck and parapets will be completed. Landscaping, path resurfacing and final safety inspections are scheduled for early 2026. Preston City Council has indicated that the bridge should be open to the public by spring, depending on weather and construction conditions.
When it opens, the bridge will restore a link with over 200 years of history behind it. Although the new structure is different in form, it occupies the same essential footprint and spirit, providing a crossing that respects the past while looking toward the future.
With steel now spanning the river and anticipation growing, Preston’s tram bridge is no longer a memory. It is becoming a landmark once again.
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