10.05.17
Final spans for Bolton interchange’s ‘skylink’ bridge put in place
The final two steel spans for Bolton interchange’s state-of-the-art ‘skylink’ bridge have now been put in place by engineers.
Overnight on Monday, a 750-tonne crane was used to lift the spans, which will connect the interchange with Bolton station, into place. The completion of this set of works means the 100m bridge is ready for final fit out.
RTM reported last month that the first span had been successfully put in place, marking an important milestone for the work.
TfGM committee chair, Councillor Andrew Fender, said: “It’s great to see the final sections of the skylink bridge installed and passers-by can now admire the full structure of the bridge – it marks the completion of an important phase in the interchange project.
“The bridge is a critical part of the interchange project and will offer much better integration between bus and rail services, which is a central objective of the entire scheme.”
The new interchange is due to open in the summer, and will transform a key gateway into the town centre and provide improved facilities for passengers, Fender added.
Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said the skylink bridge was an exciting development that is sure to bring Bolton’s transport provision firmly into the 21st century.
“The bridge connects our railway station to the new bus station and creates an interchange that links up our public transport in the town centre,” he explained. “Together with the new office block on Great Moor Street and the work being carried out in Newport Street, it will be a magnificent new gateway.”
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