This bridge replaces an earlier footbridge on this site which needed to be removed as the spans were too narrow to cope with the widening at this point on the M62. The footbridge is well used since there is a school adjacent to the north end.
The new structure comprises two spans formed of precast reinforced concrete trough shaped beams supported on a concrete bankseat to the north, a single pier in the central reservation and a retaining wall to the south. The trough shape is complemented by a polycarbonate canopy enclosing the structure protecting pedestrians from strong winds which develop on this exposed stretch of the motorway and also prevents pedestrians throwing objects onto the road below.
The beams for the structure are over 30.5m in length each and since this was greater than the 27.4m length limit imposed on loads travelling without a police escort, it was decided to precast them on site. The beams were lifted onto their bearings using an 800 tonne crane during May and June of 1998 during full closures of the M62 underneath. After the deck was completed the wingwall to the south west corner was constructed and a temporary ramp built to the south west allowing the right of way to remain open while the old bridge was demolished on 26 August 1998 and the wingwall to the south west and permanent ramp were constructed.
The centre pier of the bridge after the north beam had been erected and the bearings for the south beam were in place. Photograph taken May 1998.
The completed structure prior to removal of the temporary ramp to the south east and completion of landscaping. Photograph taken November 1998.
The south beam prior to erection. Photograph taken on 17 April 1998.
The reinforcement being fixed for the south west retaining wall base. Photograph taken 8 August 1998.
