Preston's New Tram Bridge - Building Hope and Promise

May, 31 2026

For the people of Manchester the 22nd May is etched in their minds as a day of loss and sadness. Even now 9 years later families will never be the same again as their children went to an Ariana Grande concert and never came home.

But Lancashire folk are resilient and in stark contrast to the loss and sadness of that day 9 years ago the people of Preston have a day of joy and celebration for something that’s been long coming.

Yes many interested ones flocked for the grand opening of Preston’s historic new tram bridge. The £8.8 million bridge has been more than two years in the making and a crossing on the site dates back to 1804.

The latest incarnation of the tram bridge replaces the Old Tram Bridge which was demolished in 2024 and had been declared unsafe in February 2019.

Preston City Council, who will own and maintain the new bridge, put on a show to mark what will likely be one of the last major project completed by the council in its current set up ahead of local government reorganisation.

More than 5,000 people packed the slopes of Avenham Park, the riverbank on both sides, to witness the ribbon being cut by Mayor of Preston councillor Nweeda Khan in the first act of her year as mayor of the city.

One of those 5,000 was a vlog enthusiast who captured the opening on his video camera complete with narrative voiceover. Take a look at the video here – 

The new bridge is the latest incarnation in more than 200 years of a crossing between Avenham Park and Penwortham. Preston has given 22nd May a new life and promise providing locals the opportunity to walk the bridge and enjoy the picturesque sights all around.

^Alex Ashworth Director of Creativity