Skylink installation marks progress for Bolton’s Interchange project
Posted: 3 May 2017 | | 1 comment
Substantial progress has been made on a crucial element of Bolton’s new state-of-the-art transport interchange, the ‘skylink’ bridge.
Substantial progress has been made on a crucial element of Bolton’s new state-of-the-art transport interchange, the ‘skylink’ bridge.
The first steel span that makes up the ‘skylink’ bridge – which will connect the interchange with Bolton railway station – is now in place. The work was completed outside of rail timetable hours to minimise disruption to passengers.
Skylink landmark
The steel span measures 3.6 metres high, 3.8 metres wide and 20.1 metres long; weighs 30.5 tonnes; and oversees the interchange’s bus apron.
This successful installation marks the first in a total of four – the remaining three sections will be lifted into place during overnight works in the next few weeks.
The bridge construction is being carried out by Murphy Group, under the project management of Network Rail, on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Interchange progress
TfGM Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Fender, said: “The skylink bridge is a vital part of the interchange project and will provide much greater integration between bus and rail services, which is a key motivation behind the entire scheme.
“The installation of the first section really provides an obvious landmark and demonstration of progress. When complete later this year, the new interchange will transform a key gateway into the town centre and provide much-improved facilities for passengers.”
Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “The new interchange is now really coming together and this first piece of the connecting bridge shows how the huge project fits into place in our redevelopment of the town centre.
“The skylink bridge will provide a seamless link connecting the railway station with the interchange. The whole project moves Bolton’s transport links into the 21st century and provides a fitting gateway into the town centre.”
The new Bolton Interchange will provide better passenger information and ticketing facilities and a safer, more secure waiting environment.
It will also offer improved links between the town’s bus services and rail station, as well as providing a far more attractive gateway to and from the town centre.
The transport interchange is being delivered by TfGM in partnership with Bolton Council, and forms part of the regeneration of Newport Street.
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Let us not forget that admittedly the new interchange really is very nice and a welcome introduction to our great town, however the new jazzy skylink and interchange only puts back what was torn down some 50 Years ago when the station was connected to Great Moor Street by a lattice girder bridge and the rail station also had an integrated tram and bus facility complete with café, barber, tobacconist and travel information office and a hotel. It would be a tremendous filip for TFGM if some sort of plaque showing what was provided in the 1960s say hung on a wall within the new bus station.