Source: City of Preston
24 July 2025
While on-site activity paused over the winter break, the iconic Tram Bridge project has continued to move forward at pace behind the scenes.
Off-site construction of the new bridge is well underway, and key design decisions have now been made, including the final colour palette for the bridge and its decking.
The steelwork will feature a bold Black Grey, chosen for its sleek, contemporary look and ability to complement the natural surroundings. This will be paired with a Light Buff Brown Polydeck finish for the bridge decking, offering both durability and a warm, inviting appearance underfoot.
These carefully selected colours reflect the bridge’s modern engineering while nodding to the heritage and landscape of Avenham Park, ensuring the new Tram Bridge will be as visually striking as it is functional.
The replacement of the Bridge, announced in Spring 2024, is being delivered by Preston City Council using part of its £20 million grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), with an additional £1 million from Lancashire County Council.
The bridge project is being delivered by contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering and since construction resumed in spring, visible changes can already be seen along the River Ribble, including the completion of the land-based piers, modification of the abutments, and preparation for the second in-river pier. Meanwhile, off-site fabrication of the bridge is progressing in preparation for its scheduled installation and lift in Autumn 2025.
Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council said:
“I’m delighted at the progress of this historic project. The newly released imagery and designs are really bringing it to life and, I hope, will generate excitement across the city.
“I want to thank everyone involved for their commitment and dedication to delivering a bridge that can be used and enjoyed for generations to come.
“I encourage everyone to visit the Pavilion Café, take a look at the exhibition, and see the progress for themselves.”
County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Lancashire County Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Preston Tram Bridge project making such strong progress.
“This isn’t just about rebuilding a bridge – it’s about reconnecting communities, opening up greener travel, and giving people a healthier, more active way to move between South Ribble and Preston.
“I’d like to thank residents for their patience while work continues, your support is helping deliver a lasting improvement for the whole area.”
Antony Mulligan, Contracts Manager at Eric Wright Civil Engineering commented:
“We are delighted to be moving forward with the replacement of the historic Tram Bridge for our clients, Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council.
“The project continues to move at pace with us already completing the first in river pier and the two land abutments. We are currently constructing the second, and final, in river pier which will see us complete the substructure. The steel superstructure of the bridge is currently being fabricated off site ready to be installed later this year.”
Public Exhibition and New CGIs
With key design elements now confirmed, a refreshed public exhibition is currently on display at the Pavilion Café in Avenham Park. The exhibition features brand-new CGI visuals, developed by local architect John Bridge, showcasing the updated colour scheme and key structural features of the bridge.
Visitors can also explore early proposals and design concepts for additional elements including seating, art sculptures, and the proposed ‘goalpost’ barrier, which offers a visual nod to the original bridge’s timber trestles.
About Eric Wright Civil Engineering
Eric Wright Civil Engineering have been delivering exceptional infrastructure for over 25 years. Bringing expertise, precisions and innovations to a wide range of projects from cutting-edge nuclear, chemical, and aerospace facilities to bridges, transport infrastructure, and environmental enhancements.
Part of the Eric Wright Group a long-established property and construction business comprising eight specialist divisions (Construction, Civil Engineering, Water, Partnerships, Facilities Management, Maple Grove Developments and Investments, Applethwaite Homes, and Wrightcare). Working closely together across the divisions ensures a collaborative and seamless approach for public and private sector partners.
Founded in 1923, as Brown and Jackson in Fleetwood, Lancashire, the company became Eric Wright Construction in 1979 after Mr. Wright purchased it and later became the Eric Wright Group.
Owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, all profits are reinvested in the Group’s growth or directed towards charitable activities, operating as a social enterprise that continuously gives back while striving for a more sustainable future.