An important footbridge that was constructed in 2017 as part of a key pedestrian and cycle route between Salford and Manchester has now been officially opened.
The new footbridge crosses the River Irwell and is underneath the Ordsall Chord railway bridge, which is Manchester's three main railway stations – Piccadilly, Victoria, and Oxford Road.
Network Rail invested £12m in the new footbridge, which replaced the former Prince's Street bridge over the River Irwell that was demolished in 2015 to allow construction of the Ordsall Chord railway bridge.
While that bridge was being built the footbridge below was constructed as part of a future masterplan for the area.
Since then, major construction work has been carried out on both sides of the River Irwell, including multiple residential developments and Manchester's new world-class arts venue Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International.
That is now hosting the Manchester International Festival which opened yesterday, Thursday, 29th June
The new footbridge was officially opened by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig and Jill Stephenson, principal development manager at Network.
As part of Network Rail's wider sustainable travel plans for pedestrians and cyclists through Salford and Manchester, it worked closely with both councils to landscape areas around both sides of the bridge.
On the Salford side there are includes interpretation panels that tell the story behind perhaps the Irwell's most famous crossing, the Stephenson Bridge, which is a Grade I listed structure built by George Stephenson in 1830 as part of the world's first passenger railway line carrying passengers between Liverpool and Manchester.
Jill Stephenson, Network Rail principal development manager, said: “It's great to see this footbridge finally in use as it's been waiting in the wings since the completion of the Ordsall Chord railway bridge in 2017. It was always built with the future in mind, and it's been incredible to see the area redevelop on both sides of the river in recent years.
“The footbridge can now play the role we always intended it to – connecting residents to their homes, workplaces, leisure and world-class venues in both cities, directly underneath the iconic Ordsall Chord above.”
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “Both cities have a rich and distinct, yet intertwined cultural identity. This work forms part of our sustainable transport plans for the whole city and with this bridge, we're creating a gateway to enable Salfordians access to cultural experiences on offer at MIF and Aviva Studios.
“Bridges have played a huge role in literally bringing our cities together and forging links. Our two cities worked together to span the Irwell way back in 1830 with the Stephenson Bridge. Today, this bridge is further evidence of our joint commitment to opening up the cities and to providing alternative, greener options for crossing our famous river border.”
Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The connections between our two great cities are long-standing and complementary so having a new physical link in our city centre is an important moment.
“While the river Irwell is seen as a geographical boundary it is not a barrier between the flow of people, trade and ideas. It's particularly welcome that this new bridge will connect Aviva Studios, a world-class arts and social attraction and the new home of Factory International, and the new St Johns area with growing new districts on the Salford side of the Irwell. It's a symbolic celebration of using culture as an economic and regeneration driver to deliver mutual success in growth of new jobs, communities, and districts to benefit our city region.”
