Update shared on transformative bridge project

A major bridge in Heywood is being completely transformed as multi-million pound renovation works continue.

Queen’s Park Bridge, which overlooks the River Roch, looks completely changed in recent images shared by the council. The local authority appointed Heywood-based BDB Special Projects to undertake the £4m repair works at the start of the year.

A huge amount of public money is being spent on strengthening the 136-metre bridge and bringing it back to its former glory.

The east side of the bridge is almost complete with the west side next up for restoration. Historic lighting columns which were on the bridge previously are also being restored and will be reinstated on the bridge once the work is complete.

Work began in January 2024 and is set to be complete by the start of January 2025. Road works will continue to be in place until the repairs have concluded.

 

 

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said in a recent social media post update: “The team at BDB Special Projects used original drawings to carefully recreate the parapets to ensure the bridge had the same look as when it first opened in the 1930s.

“Work on the east side of the bridge is now almost complete and the team will be starting work on the west side later in the summer.”

The bridge has stood since the 1930s when the road name changed from Williams Street to Queen’s Park Road.

Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways, said previously: “This vital project will see huge investment into this bridge, which has stood proud in this area for over 90 years now.”

This comes alongside further investment work into Heywood such as the revamp of the civic centre – which council bosses agreed to pump £2.25m into. This project would see the building off Church Street, in the heart of Heywood, transformed into a flexible performance venue with a cafe and bar.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter