River Irwell footbridge destroyed by floods set to be replaced by £2.5m crossing

A new £2.5m footbridge over the River Irwell is to be built after the previous crossing was destroyed by floods almost eight years ago. Greater Manchester transport leaders have approved £2.55m for the delivery of the new cycling and walking bridge spanning the River Irwell in Radcliffe.

The new structure, which will run adjacent to Rectory Lane, will replace the old footbridge previously damaged in the 2015 Boxing Day floods. Members of the Bee Network Committee approved the draw down of £2.55m to build and complete the scheme, which will create a new cycling and walking connection between Radcliffe Metrolink stop, the town centre and residential areas to the east and south of Radcliffe.

The new 42m-long steel bridge, due to be completed in September 2024, will be built at a higher level than the previous bridge to mitigate the risk of high-water levels in future. The route will connect Rectory Lane with Milltown Street and Bury Council said it would ‘improve people’s journeys from south Radcliffe to West Radcliffe, including those from Cross Lane to the library, and from Stand Lane to Close Park’.

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Richard Nickson, programme director of cycling and walking at TfGM, said: “The new bridge over the River Irwell will provide a new cycling and walking connection between the Metrolink stop and Radcliffe town centre, as well as existing and proposed residential areas to the east and south of the town.

“This new piece of infrastructure will enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle in their community and forms part of the Bee Network – our vision to deliver a fully-integrated transport network connecting all modes of travel across