Demolition of Preston’s Old Tram Bridge to begin ahead of replacement

The Tram Bridge site in August 2024. Credit: Mike Ashmore

The demolition of Preston’s Old Tram Bridge – ahead of a long-awaited replacement – will begin tomorrow (20 August).

Preliminary work has taken place over the last six months, including the felling and pruning of a number of trees in the area to allow for access.

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

Steps have been taken, along with the Environment Agency, to minimise the risk to fish in the River Ribble, Preston City Council said.

The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-September.

Valerie Wise, cabinet member of Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council, said: “This is a significant moment for the project which I’m sure will attract interest from the public.

“Given the rich history of the bridge, the demolition will bring mixed emotions to local residents. This is an important step in delivering a new bridge that will serve the community for decades to come and restore this key transport link for people between Preston and South Ribble.”

Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “Providing good sustainable transport links that allow people to stay healthy by enjoying the outdoors is a key aspect of our levelling up ambitions.

“The new bridge will restore an important active travel route between South Ribble and Preston city centre for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. “That’s why we have contributed £1m to this project, which will benefit Lancashire residents for generations to come.”

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