New £6.6 million bridge to be constructed: it will connect Avenham Park and Penwortham

The 200-year-old bridge connecting Avenham Park and Penwortham was shut down in 2019 due to the risk of collapse. After its closure, a campaign was started to either fix or replace the pathway across the river, which has been in its original form since 1804.

Originally, the council intended to engage the public in reviewing the different options. Specifically, 3,000 people signed a petition calling for its restoration. However, it was altered when it became evident that they would be unsafe during floods and due to financial hazards.

Fortunately, the government's Levelling Up Fund decided to fund the £6.6 million project and ruled that the new bridge will be constructed, and the goal is to open again by March of 2025. By that time, it will have been six years since the historic connection was closed. In addition, the new bridge will not have the same architecture as the previous one and the chosen design, a suspension-type structure, is more practical and appealing among the other three styles which had been proposed by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council.

Glenn Cookson, from the Friends of Old Tram Bridge, expressed regret that the community couldn't participate in the final bridge design consultation due to time constraints, but expressed satisfaction with the progress. The bridge's color remains undecided, and a lighting design will be chosen to respect the ecology and ensure a safe and appealing pedestrian link across the Ribble. Preston-based architects Studio John Bridge are responsible for the chosen design.

Lancashire County Council's member responsible for economic development and growth, emphasized that the restoration of the bridge is significant and essential because it is an active travel route between South Ribble and Preston city center for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.