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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 restores a long missing link in Radcliffe’s local infrastructure and significantly improves walking and cycling access to and from Radcliffe town centre and neighbouring communities.

Bridge design

The replacement bridge sits 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.

Scope of the bridge reinstatement project

The works included:

  • 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.

The new bridge was fabricated in three sections and was transported to site by HGV. To install the bridge, a crane lifted the sections into position, bolted together and then welded.

The bridge lift in motion

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Project timeline

  • June 2025: Started on site
  • June 2025 to March 2026: Main construction phase
  • May 2026: Completion

Funding

The cost to replace this 50m long bridge was £3.2 million. This cost reflects the bespoke design and the complex, high risk nature of the works and challenging site conditions.

The bridge reinstatement project was funded by UK Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

Extent of the works

General factors that make bridges expensive to build

Your questions answered – Milltown Street Bridge and Pioneer Mill

Project progress in pictures

Construction site

The bridge in place at sunset
The bridge being attached while supported by a crane
The bridge being lifted by crane over the river
Engineers watch as the bridge is lifted over the river
Excavation and piling work underway on the southern bank
Base level concrete pour completed for the northern abutment

Off-site bridge fabrication

A section of the steel truss bridge being fabricated in the workshop
A section of the steel truss bridge being fabricated in the workshop

On-site construction works

Continuous Flight Auger Piles being drilled and cast to hold the northern end of the bridge
Finished steelwork for the bridges northern abutment
Construction of the piling mat on the southern bank of the river to reinforce the ground to hold the weight of the piling rig.
Demolition of the existing old bridge pier that remained in the river.
Existing location of the old bridge pier following demolition.
Original bridge deck being removed

Site before the bridge was 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