£3.2m bridge project begins in Radcliffe next week

Monday, 2 June 2025 21:09

By Adam Clark

A project to restore a long-missing link in Radcliffe’s local infrastructure is about to get underway.

The £3.2 million project funded by the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the Mayor’s Challenge fund, will reinstate Milltown Street Bridge which was destroyed in 2015 by the Boxing Day floods.

The replacement bridge has been altered to a single span design without any in-river supports. It will also sit higher above the river than the original. The new design will simplify the construction process, improve flood resilience, and reduce the risk of future damage.

Fabricated in three sections, the new bridge will be transported to site by HGV. Each section will be crane lifted into position prior to being bolted and then welded. The extensive works will take around 10 months to complete.

As part of the Bee Network, the bridge will significantly improve walking and cycling access to and from Radcliffe town centre and neighbouring communities.

Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change said:

“The damage caused by the 2015 floods was devastating for everyone and full recovery from this significant event has been a long process.

“Finally, the neighbouring communities cut off by the floods will be reconnected and Radcliffe residents will have a replacement bridge for walking, wheeling and cycling.”

Works to set up the site compound will begin from Monday 2 June with the construction phase following on until the end of March 2026. The scope of the project includes:

Construction of a new 50m single span bridge
Assessment of the existing reinforced concrete abutments (the structures that support the bridge at each end)
Removal of what remains of the former bridge
Removal of the existing pier (the structure in the river that previously supported the damaged bridge)
Works to associated ramps and footways

Environmental restoration such as managing invasive plants, protecting local wildlife, and improving the riverbank and green space habitats.
Works will be carried out 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday with Saturday working 7am to 1pm, as required. CCTV will always be in operation and outside normal working hours, security officers will patrol the site. Any noisy works won’t start before 8am.

Properties near the site works on either side of the river will receive an information leaflet.

Bury Council’s Engineering Services Team will co-ordinate and supervise the works from start to finish. The appointed contractor, Bethell, will be responsible for ensuring all works are carried out safely.