Eric Wright steps into footbridge scheme

PRESTON-based Eric Wright Civil Engineering (EWCE) has been awarded a £1.7m contract by Knowsley Council to replace the Greystone Footbridge across the M62 with a combined footpath and cycleway.

The project is expected to begin on site in summer and EWCE will commence the scheme with demolition of the existing Greystone Footbridge, which has carried a footpath across the M62 between J4 and J5 at the Knowsley/Liverpool border since it was opened in 1973.

Designed by Mouchel, the new bridge will replace the old structure on the same site and will provide a footpath and cycleway on a single symmetrical cable-stayed deck structure, which will be supported on the existing abutments.

EWCE will also construct a new concrete pier and steel pylon in the central reservation to support the new footbridge. The bridge deck will be of steel ladder deck construction, with a steel plate deck and non-slip waterproof surface.

The construction programme will be carefully planned with close collaboration between EWCE, Knowsley Council, Mouchel and other key stakeholders to minimise disruption and ensure project delivery on time and with budget.

The scheme will require weekend closures of the M62 during the demolition phase and installation of the new cable stayed bridge over the carriageways.

Gavin Hulme, contracts manager at EWCE, said: “We have been awarded the Greystone Footbridge scheme following a rigorous tendering process that focused on both quality and costs.

“Our previous experience of similar landmark bridge projects, including the River Irwell Footbridge and the Bradford Connect 2 Footbridge ensures that we have the specialist expertise required for a complex scheme of this nature and we look forward to starting on site in the summer.”

Cllr Mike Murphy, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, added: “This project is a significant investment into the boroughs infrastructure and while there will be some disruption to local residents and motorway drivers, we hope the careful planning and preparation will help to keep this to a minimum.

“I’m looking forward to the new bridge being completed and I hope it continues to serve the local community as well as its predecessor.”