It's open: Sun shines on as Preston and South Ribble linked by new £8.2m Tram Bridge

Preston’s new Tram Bridge has opened in an historic moment for both Preston and South Ribble.

Under glorious sunshine, an estimated 4-5,000 people visited and lined the banks of the River Ribble at Avenham Park to witness the Mayor of Preston cutting the ribbon before trying out the bridge for themselves.

The new £8.2m reincarnation of Preston’s ‘Old Tram Bridge’, which linked Preston and South Ribble via Avenham Park over the River Ribble, is opening seven years after the previous bridge was closed. The cross-river pedestrian connection between Avenham Park and Penwortham was cut off in February 2019 after an inspection found that the previous bridge was at risk of sudden collapse.

The first members of the public walked across the Tram Bridge once again as part of a civic celebration to mark the occasion. Many picked a viewing spot out to watch the whole ceremony while enjoying the sun.

They included retired engineer Alan Wilson, who said: “ It’s brilliant (the opening). I live on the opposite side of the bank, it was quite a shock (when it closed) I think the design of the bridge is very nice.”

Anne Hickey, who is retired but used to work for Lancashire County Council, said: “ It feels like a long time since it closed. I live in Penwortham so it used to be quite easy to walk through and into town. It will be very beneficial, there’s a few more housing estates on the other side and it will be useful for them to walk or cycle into town.”

Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, was there to mark the occasion. She said it felt ‘fantastic’ to walk across the bridge: “ I've been going past over the last few years watching progress from the train every time I go through. I think it's superb. I think what's really impressive is the way that the council and the county have come together using local contractors, you know, Eric Wright, Harrison's Engineering from Whalley, all names that are familiar to Lancashire. We've had this bridge open again and such a quality structure is superb.

“I know the park quite well. I used to work in Preston, and I will use it, but now I've seen it I can see how it connects the whole of the Preston area and South Ribble area.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Community Wealth Building and City Regeneration at Preston City Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this wonderful sunny day to mark this very special occasion. The Tram Bridge is more than a crossing point, it is a symbol of pride for Preston and an important part of daily life for so many people. It is part of the journey to work, part of people’s leisure time, and part of those moments spent with family and friends.

“That pride and affection have been evident today in the crowds gathered here, just as they have been throughout the project, and I hope people will enjoy this landmark for many years to come. I’m delighted that we have reopened this vital crossing, seven years after its closure. Reaching this moment has taken a huge amount of hard work, with organisations coming together in collaboration to deliver the modern piece of engineering we see today.”

The event welcomed community groups from across Preston to take part in the celebrations. Groups involved in the procession across the bridge included Disability North West and St Stephen’s C of E Primary School. Other community organisations hosted stalls in Avenham Park, including Preston North End Community and Education Trust, Preston Pedals and The Foxton Centre

County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:“We are proud to have played a key role in delivering the new Tram Bridge, working in partnership with Preston City Council and our delivery partners.

“The new bridge looks fantastic and will be a real source of pride for the local community. Our £1 million contribution reflects our commitment to improving connections that will benefit residents for years to come.This is a historic moment for the area, and it’s been great to see so many people come along to be among the first to use the new Tram Bridge.”

The original tram bridge was closed in February 2019 due to serious safety concerns. Seven years on, the bridge over the River Ribble has been completely rebuilt and transformed into a modern 130-metre landmark, designed for people to enjoy and use for generations to come.

The Tram Bridge is a key part of the council’s Active Travel Preston initiative, re-establishing an important connection between Preston and South Ribble and supporting healthier, more sustainable travel.

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner and Chair of Active Travel England, said: "It’s wonderful to see a much‑loved, community symbol like this brought back to life, and I’m delighted to see the Tram Bridge reopen for the people of Preston. Projects like this don’t happen overnight, they are a testament to strong partnership working and the perseverance of everyone involved in seeing it through to completion. What makes this so powerful is its immediate impact, helping people get to work, school and local green spaces more easily and safely. It’s about making healthier, more active choices feel like the obvious option."

The total cost of the Tram Bridge was £8m, delivered by Preston City Council and constructed by Eric Wright Civil Engineering, using part of a £20 million grant awarded by the UK Government, alongside an additional £1 million contribution from Lancashire County Council.

Gavin Hulme, Managing Director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: “Rebuilding the Tram Bridge has been a technically complex and rewarding project, and one that has meant a great deal to our team throughout the journey, being so close to home for our business. Over the past several years, we’ve seen just how important this crossing is to the people of Preston, so reaching this milestone where the community can use and enjoy it again is incredibly special.

“What stands out most is the way so many different organisations, specialists and local stakeholders came together to overcome challenges and deliver something lasting for the city. The finished bridge is not only an impressive piece of engineering, but a structure designed to reconnect communities, encourage active travel and become part of everyday life in Preston once again.”