This spectacularly scenic new tram bridge is set to open after seven years

Preston’s Tram Bridge has served the local community for more than two centuries. Its first incarnation opened over the River Ribble in 1802, built to carry horse-drawn coal wagons. In the years since, the bridge has had to undergo several renovations and reconstructions to ensure its safety. 

The latest of those began in 2019. The bridge shut following an inspection that found Principal more 200 defects and concluded that the bridge was at serious risk of collapsing. At that point, a concrete deck built in the 1960s and trestle-style supports from the 1930s were its longest-standing features. The entire thing was demolished in 2024 to make way for a brand new bridge. 

Seven years later, the £6.6 million bridge built to replace the original structure it is finally ready to open. The new Tram Bridge will officially open to pedestrians, cyclists and horses on May 22. It’s part of one of four active travel projects in the city that collectively received £20m in Levelling Up funding from the government in 2022. 

The new bridge is far more modern than its predecessor. Spanning 130 metres, it’s made from steel and has camuru wood vertical deck panels with stone work on the approach. Designed by (very aptly named) architect John Bridge, it’s been described as ‘sleek, efficient, sustainable’.

When the design was revealed in 2024, Bridge told BBC News: ‘We've tried to create a bridge with a nod to Preston's industrial heritage, and I'd hope it will last a lot longer than its predecessor.’

A Preston City Council spokesperson said: ‘The original tram bridge was closed in February 2019 due to serious safety concerns. Seven years on, the bridge over the River Ribble, has been completely rebuilt and transformed into a modern 130-metre landmark, designed for people to enjoy and use for generations to come.’

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