New Altrincham Interchange bridge installed

A new 45-tonne steel bridge has been installed at Altrincham Interchange – improving passenger access to four platforms via stairs and lifts. 

The bridge, which crosses both the Network Rail and Metrolink lines, was installed at the site by international construction and engineering specialists Laing O’Rourke. 

As part of the installation processes, the company used a mobile crane to lift the two preformed segments of the bridge into place. The first segment was 16m-long and weighed 25 tonnes, while the second was 11.5m-long and weighed 20 tonnes. The two segments were then joined together at the central platform support structure. 

Peter Boulton, Transport for Greater Manchester’s head of programme management services, said: “The construction of the bridge is excellent news as it is a very visual element of the scheme and passengers will now be able to really see the new, modern interchange taking shape. 

“When complete, the new multi-modal interchange will improve facilities for passengers and the integration of transport modes whilst simultaneously being sympathetic to the heritage of the original facility.” 

The work is part of the £19m redevelopment of the interchange – due to be completed in 2014 – that will provide a safer and fully integrated transport hub with a modern concourse, a single, integrated ticket office and improved links between bus, train and tram services. 

(Image: Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink director, inspects the new bridge that now runs over the tram lines at Altrincham Interchange) 

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