A FOOTBRIDGE which has carried travellers from what is now the Altrincham Interchange since 1880 has been removed.

A major logistical operation happened at the weekend involving a 750 tonne crane, which lifted the 45 tonne bridge in two sections into the car park.

The old bridge, which connected four platforms, was lifted from the Oakfield Road car park in the early hours of Sunday, by international construction and engineering specialists Laing O’Rourke.

And before the sections were transported from the car park archaeologists from the University of Salford recorded parts of the bridge that were exposed during the removal process.

Their findings will be registered on the Greater Manchester Historic Environment Record.

The footbridge has been replaced by a new steel bridge, which was opened last week.

The new bridge, which has glazed sides and metal roof, was also lifted into place by a mobile crane back in April this year.

This was done in two segments, the first segment being 16m long and weighing 25 tonnes and the second being 11.5m long and weighing 20 tonnes. The two segments were then joined together at the central platform support structure.

Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Cllr Andrew Fender, said: “The removal of the old bridge and the opening of the new bridge are significant milestones in the redevelopment of the interchange and will have a considerable visual impact on the project.

“Passengers can now really see a fully accessible facility taking shape with a modern concourse, a single, integrated ticket office and improved links between bus, train and tram services.

“The bridge will improve passenger access to all four platforms, through new stairs and lifts, which is a key motivation behind the whole project.

“When complete, the new multi-modal interchange will improve facilities for passengers and the integration of transport modes while also being sympathetic to the heritage of the original facility.”

Laing O’Rourke project leader Nick Heywood said: “With the removal of the old bridge, people in Altrincham will now be able to see the progress being made with their new interchange. Our priority was to deconstruct the bridge safely, quickly and with minimal disruption, which I’m pleased to say we achieved.”

The work is part of the £19 million redevelopment of the interchange that will provide a safer and fully integrated transport hub.

It will also offer an impressive new gateway for visitors arriving in Altrincham, and will play a key role in shaping the vision for the town centre being driven by Trafford Council.