Watch final moment of Old Tram Bridge demolition

The final parts of the Old Tram Bridge come tumbling down Pic: Lee Worthington

There’s a new view across the River Ribble from Avenham Park as the final part of the tram bridge has been removed.

Work to demolish the Old Tram Bridge has been taking place since Tuesday 20 August and the final strut has now been pulled from the Preston side of the river.

Closed since 2019 due to safety concerns the bridge is to be replaced with a new crossing. The current bridge dates back to the 1960s and 1930s but there has been a river crossing on the site for more than 200 years.

Watch below the moment the final part of the tram bridge is demolished or see on YouTube

Work to construct the new bridge and this demolition job has to take place carefully around salmon spawning in the River Ribble.

A campaign to save the bridge, and get a replacement built, took place with thousands of people signing petitions and letters calling for both local and central government to act.

Eventually funding was found, via the city’s Levelling Up cash bid, along with financial contributions from Lancashire County Council, to build a replacement bridge.

Designs released for the new bridge over the Ribble

The new bridge is due to be completed towards the end of 2025 and be open to the public in early 2026.

An update is expected to be given next week on the Tram Bridge project progress.

The River Ribble without the Old Tram Bridge Pic: Lee Worthington

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