£3.2m Radcliffe bridge opens in Radcliffe to improve access and reconnect communities

A major milestone has been reached in Radcliffe with the completion of a new £3.2 million bridge at Milltown Street, which was officially opened today. The 50-metre single-span structure restores a vital crossing over the River Irwell, reconnecting communities for the first time in over a decade.

The original Milltown Street Bridge was destroyed by Storm Eva on Boxing Day 2015, severing a key local link and impacting access. The new bridge marks a significant step forward in improving connectivity, supporting greener travel, and complementing wider regeneration across the Radcliffe area.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Bury Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Alan Quinn, alongside the council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, Councillor Eamonn O’Brien. Also in attendance were Radcliffe ward councillors, members of Bury Council’s Engineering Services Team, representatives for Transport for Greater Manchester, and pupils from Star Radcliffe Academy.

Made in Nottingham by Briton Fabricators and installed by main contractor, Bethell, the replacement bridge will significantly improve walking, wheeling and cycling access. Of single span design without any in-river supports and sitting higher above the river, the new design improves flood resilience and reduces the risk of future damage.

As part of the Bee Network - Greater Manchester’s new joined-up transport network, the scheme has been funded from the UK Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

The significant cost to reinstate the bridge reflects the bespoke design and the complex, high-risk nature of the works, together with challenging site conditions.

Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: "This new bridge is a significant improvement on the structure it replaces. Designed and fabricated in the UK using British steel, it showcases high-quality engineering and craftsmanship built to modern standards.

“Despite the challenges of its complex location over the River Irwell, and construction taking place throughout the winter months, this project has been delivered on time and within budget. The result is a robust, flood-resilient crossing that supports walking, wheeling and cycling, improving everyday journeys for local people. It’s a high-quality asset that will serve the community for many years to come.”

Now that the bridge is open to the public, a range of safety measures will protect the bridge, and CCTV cameras will be in operation.

Richard Nickson, Active Travel Network Director at TfGM, said: “This new bridge will restore a key route for people making journeys by walking, cycling and wheeling in and through Radcliffe, providing a real boost to sustainable travel in the area.

“Investment in active travel infrastructure is key to the success of the Bee Network, and I look forward to more people in Radcliffe opting for greener travel for shorter trips.”

Works to complete the reinstatement of the bridge included:

• Working closely with the Environment Agency to obtain the necessary consents and permits to work in the river and ensure flood risk and ecological impact were carefully managed.
• Removal of the remains of the former bridge and river pier.
• Removal of underground obstructions, such as 40ft shipping containers, which had been previously buried.
• Demolition of a building adjacent to the bridge and disconnection or diversion of utilities - power, water, gas, telecoms.
• Managing the works within a constrained space to avoid high-voltage infrastructure running alongside the site.
• Specialist licensed treatment of Japanese Knotweed and Hogweed, in line with environmental legislation.

Bury Council’s Engineering Services Team oversaw the scheme from start to finish, and Bethell (main contractor) ensured all works were carried out safely and to a high quality.

For more information, visit www.bury.gov.uk/milltown-bridge

ENDS

Notes to editors

View the bridge installation video: https://youtu.be/m8aF4cNmBYY

This video shows the bridge landing when it was lifted into position in November 2025.

About the Bee Network

The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s new joined-up transport network, taking you where you need to go.

All local bus and tram services are now part of the Bee Network, and Transport for Greater Manchester are working hard to build and integrate the largest walking, wheeling and cycling network in the UK.

Bury Local Bee Network Forum

Bury residents and businesses can get involved in shaping and influencing local transport in Bury and across Greater Manchester by attending the Bury forum meetings. To find out more www.bury.gov.uk/beenetwork-forum

Pioneer Mill/surrounding area
Pioneer Mill is a very complex site. Challenges such as multiple owners, previous fire and structural damage, and the need for legal and regulatory action mean progress can take time. We recognise this can be frustrating for residents, but we are coordinating a multi-agency response, including working closely with those responsible for the site. There have been recent positive steps towards improving the management and longer‑term future of the site. While issues won’t be resolved overnight, progress is being made. We are working with several agencies, prioritising public safety, including Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive. This joint approach helps improve monitoring, enforcement, and coordination.