BOLTON

Preparations for the latest major stage in the development of Bolton’s new transport interchange will take place this week.

From today, the taxi rank on Newport Street outside Bolton rail station will be temporarily relocated to allow the delivery and construction of the 'skylink bridge' which, once complete, will connect the station and interchange.

The bridge, which is being constructed by Network Rail on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester, will be brought on site in four sections, requiring two deliveries.

The first two sections, which will be delivered during March, will be prepared and clad on site before being lifted into place by a large crane.

The second two sections will be delivered mid-April and again will be prepared, clad and lifted into place by the crane.

The process will require the temporary relocation of the taxi rank to bus stand D on Newport Street.
As a result, bus services 22, 36, 500, 519, 520, 527, 551, 570, 571, 572 will temporarily pick up from the bus stop further up Newport Street, opposite Section Street.

Subject to the successful installation of the new bridge, it is planned that the taxi rank will re-open in early May.

Transport for Greater Manchester Committee Chair, Cllr Andrew Fender, said: “The delivery and on-site construction of the skylink bridge will give people a really eye-catching demonstration of the rapid progress made on-site at Bolton Interchange recently.

“The work will result in some temporary, minor disruption to bus and taxi passengers and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“When complete later this year, the new multi-modal interchange will transform a key gateway into the town centre and provide much-improved facilities for passengers, so it really is an exciting time for Bolton.”

The new £48m interchange is expected to open by early summer.

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