The successful installation of a new 90 tonne bridge, that connects the Stockport Interchange development to the town’s train station, was conducted over the weekend, representing a transformative step towards the town’s regeneration.
The construction process for this infrastructure has been underway since August 2021, accompanying the transformative additions of a new two-acre ‘podium park’ on the roof of the building and 196 high-quality residential apartments.
This vast, 40m-long bridge, constructed from COR-TEN steel, was carefully manoeuvred into its position over Draw Bank through the use of a 750-tonne crane, conducted via scheme contractor Willmott Dixon and their engineers. Due to the sheer size and scale of the structure, it was initially delivered in two separate pieces, before being reconstructed into the final structure on the site.
Currently scheduled to open alongside the new park and interchange in spring of 2024, the bridge will support the towns congestion through providing a traffic-free, accessible route connecting the new interchange to Station Rd and onward to the railway station.
This installation comes as part of the Town Centre West transformation plans, a major £1bn investment in Stockport being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in conjunction with contractor Willmott Dixon.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“The installation of the new bridge above Daw Bank is a major feat of engineering and marks an exciting milestone in the ongoing development of Stockport Interchange.
“The bridge is a key link connecting the new interchange to the railway station and will significantly enhance how residents and visitors access the town centre, whether they are walking, wheeling or cycling.
“We are witnessing not only the transformation of Stockport town centre, but the delivery of the wider Bee Network – our vision for an integrated transport system, connecting bus, rail and active travel and allowing seamless journeys across the borough and beyond.”
Upon completion, this interchange will form a vital transport hub for the city-region as part of the Bee network.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “The installation of the bridge over Daw Bank is another landmark moment at the Interchange development, which will now further link up all the regeneration work which is happening in our town centre.
“The new bridge will ensure everyone can travel from Stockport Exchange and the train station to the Interchange, on to our brand-new 2-acre Podium Park and then onwards to the town centre in a car-free environment.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Stockport and I’m really looking forward to more milestones taking place at the Interchange development over the next six months."
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