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Milltown Street Bridge, Radcliffe - £3.2m bridge reinstatement project

Background information

The former Milltown Street Bridge was destroyed in 2015 during the Boxing Day floods.

This £3.2 million bridge reinstatement project will restore a long missing link in Radcliffe’s local infrastructure and significantly improve walking and cycling access to and from Radcliffe town centre and neighbouring communities.

Bridge design

The replacement bridge will sit higher above the river than the original to improve flood resilience. Its single span design eliminates the need for in-river supports, reducing the risk of future damage and simplifying construction.

A red metal bridge over a river. There are people, walking, wheeling and cycling on and over the bridge
Please note: This image of the bridge is computer generated for illustrative purposes only. It may not exactly match the completed bridge.

Scope of the bridge reinstatement project

The works include:

  • Construction of a new 50m single span bridge
  • Assessment of the existing reinforced concrete abutments (the structures that support the bridge at each end)
  • Removal of what remains of the former bridge
  • Removal of the existing pier (the structure in the river that previously supported the damaged bridge)
  • Works to associated ramps and footways
  • Environmental restoration such as managing invasive plants, protecting local wildlife, and improving the riverbank and greenspace habitats.

Please note: Residents concerned about Pioneer Mill and its surrounding environment can be reassured that, as the bridge replacement scheme progresses, we are actively working in partnership with a range of enforcement agencies to address issues and utilise all available powers to improve this area of Radcliffe.

About the works on site

The new bridge will be fabricated in three sections and transported to site by HGV. To install the bridge, a crane will lift the sections into position so that they can be bolted together and then welded.

Working hours

  • 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
  • 7am to 1pm, Saturday (as required)
  • Any noisy works won’t start before 8am.

Outside working hours, security officers will patrol the site. CCTV will be in operation at all times.

Project timeline

  • June 2025: Start on site
  • June 2025 to March 2026: Main construction phase
  • End March 2026: Completion

Funding

This scheme is funded from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

Project progress in pictures and video

Please note: More images will be added as the scheme gets underway. 

Site before the bridge is reinstated

The broken bridge damaged by the 2015 Boxing Day floods.
The area across the river looking away from Pioneer Mill.

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 we’re working hard to build and integrate the largest walking, wheeling and cycling network in the UK.

Bury Local Bee Network Forum

We want to ensure the Bee Network meets the transport needs of our residents and businesses. If you would like to get involved in shaping and influencing local transport in Bury and across Greater Manchester, you are welcome to attend.

See: Bury Local Bee Network Forum

How to contact us about the works on site