Squires Gate Bridge will reopen to drivers today at 7pm following a four month replacement programme.



As part of the £2.2m scheme, corroded concrete and steel beams supporting the bridge were replaced to prolong the life of the bridge for years to come. It is thought that the work will give the bridge an extra 120 years of life.

The bridge replacement is part of a programme to fix ten of Blackpool’s bridges during the next five years at a total cost of £11.365m. The money is made up by contributions from Blackpool Council, the Department for Transport’s Challenge Fund and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Fund.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader or Blackpool Council, said: “Once again, we have delivered on our promise to complete the next phase of the bridges improvement programme on time with the bridge reopening on Wednesday.

“The work that was carried out was essential and without it we would have risked losing a key route in South Shore. We are really pleased with the results of the project and are now able to provide a safer, better bridge for all.

“As always, we were determined to ensure that the bridge was reopened as soon as possible, and with Harrowside Bridge now also open, traffic congestion in the area should continue to ease.

“We will soon be heading into a busy Easter period, so it’s great to see that the efficient management of the project has paid off with the repair works completed both ahead of schedule and within budget.

“We would like to thank motorists, residents and local business owners for their continued patience while we carry out this essential work.”

The next bridge to be improved will be Devonshire Road Bridge in the summer.

To find out more about the bridges improvement programme, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/Bridges