Osborne Chosen to Create New Bridge Link
As plans for Stockport’s new transport interchange continue to develop, the first stage of preparatory works is set to begin with the award of the construction contract for the new Mersey Bridge.
Creating a direct link between the transport interchange, to be built on the site of the existing Stockport bus station, and local roads, the new road bridge was given the green light late last year.
Linking Swaine Street with Astley Street, over the River Mersey, the bridge will provide buses with direct access into the interchange from Heaton Lane, making it easier for passengers to change between different stages of their journeys.
Construction company Osborne has just been awarded the contract for the £1.6 million bridge and will begin construction in 2018, with it due to open to traffic in 2019. The new bridge will provide a two way link for buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians to and from the A6 to the Interchange via Heaton Lane. Construction work is being planned to ensure disruption to the existing bus station is minimal.
Being developed by Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the Mersey Bridge is one of the latest transport investment projects to get off the ground in Stockport. The town is serious about investing in its future and is currently investing £1 billion in a range of ambitious projects, each transforming the borough for the future.
As part of this, significant investments are being made into improving transport networks, making it easier for everyone to travel into and around the town centre, regardless of how they travel; work that is already bringing real benefits to Stockport.
The road bridge and transport interchange are key to this work.
“This is another big step forward in our commitment to improve transport in the town centre. By improving access into the bus station, the Mersey bridge will make public transport easier to use for everyone,” commented Cllr Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council.
TfGM, Head of Projects Group, Alex Cropper said: ‘’We are pleased to be working with Stockport Council to improve access for the new interchange.”
John Dowsett, Managing Director – Infrastructure at Osborne, said: “Starting these works to build a bridge over the river Mersey in Stockport is highly significant for us. We look forward to helping to improve the infrastructure in this area and this work sees us strengthening our portfolio and continuing to work with forward thinking local authorities who recognise the collaborative approach we bring.”