What began as an April Fool’s joke from a Preston architect has begun gathering momentum as an idea for restoring one of the city’s bridges.

The Old Tram Bridge remains closed off to pedestrians and cyclists due to safety concerns.

John Bridge decided to put forward the idea of a ‘Bifrost Bridge’ taking inspiration from the film Thor.

Many Prestonians and campaigners who want to save the bridge have come out in support of the re-imagined rainbow bridge modelled on Norse mythology.

John said: “I have been inundated with both a mixture of laughs and Kudos over the concept! Everyone know’s I’m keen Architect with a passion for environmental and innovative design, so in a lovely way, it doesn’t shock people when they see a bit of creativity. I take this as a compliment of course.

“The key thing here, is that it has highlighted a much loved desire to bring a bridge back, but not to repair the old bridge – which I believe isn’t feasible due to serious structural issues – but instead to re-design and re-imagine the bridge in a new exciting way.”

“Hence, our very own Preston Bifrost Bridge. The tramway bridge is an important connection from our City Centre and lovely listed parks, to the South Ribble. Connecting walkers/cyclists who live in Walton-Le-Dale, Penwortham and Lostock-Hall to their place of work, school and play in Preston.”

More than 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Old Tram Bridge to be reopened.

Read more: Folk duo pen an ode to The Old Tram Bridge

Lancashire County Council closed off the bridge in late February now say it will be closed throughout the summer.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “We have now received the final inspection report which is being considered by a working group of officers in order to be able to make recommendations to the council’s cabinet in the near future.

“We have renewed the closure notice for the Tram Bridge until September, however may then need to extend the closure for a further period as the bridge can only be reopened when it is safe to use.”

The spokesman added they would not be commenting on the rainbow bridge idea.

Read more: Major new hotel planned to tower over Friargate

What do you think of the rainbow bridge? What do you think about the Old Tram Bridge closure? Let us know in the comments below