New river bridge is now open

Friday, 29 September 2023 16:45

By David Murphy

Cllr Alan Quinn officially opens the new bridge.

A new bridge for walkers and cyclists over the River Roch at Gigg Lane has been officially opened.

The 41-metre Roch Valley Greenway Crossing provides a much-needed link over the river following the earlier closure of an existing privately owned bridge that had fallen into disrepair.

The bridge, near Redmere Drive, has been funded thanks to £1.1m from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

It will also provide direct access to Pilsworth Industrial Estate, connect to the Roch Valley Greenway and will join up a network of active travel connections between Bury town centre and the residential areas of Fishpool and Gigg. The structure also provides light vehicular access to the local fishery.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “I was delighted to open the new bridge, which will restore the foot/cycle link between Bury and the existing and forthcoming employment areas at Pilsworth. It’s the only bridge over the Roch between Heap Bridge and White Brow/Blackford Bridge, and we expect it to be well used.”

The new bridge is part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated London-style transport system. The Bee Network will include the UK’s largest cycling and walking network, connecting every area and community in Greater Manchester with 1,800 miles of safe routes and 2,400 new crossings.