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A massive £5m viaduct bridge could be built between two Greater Manchester boroughs
Daisy Jackson -
26th July 2022 
Plans have been submitted to build an enormous viaduct bridge that would connect Tameside and Oldham – with beautiful valley views.
If approved, a 140m-long structure would be built across the Medlock Valley in Park Bridge, along the former viaduct route that ran along the boundary between the two boroughs.
Oldham Council hopes that the £5m bridge would make travelling between Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham easier for cyclists and pedestrians, cutting down on daily car journeys in the area too.
The bridge will stand more than 30 metres above the ground at its highest point.
It will also provide an impressive access point to Northern Roots, the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park that’s set to open in Oldham.
If plans go ahead, the council will seek funding from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund for Active Travel, and the proposed bridge could open within the next couple of years.
It’s been designed with a steel girder structure that would weather with time, for an industrial look that fits the heritage of the area.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We’re working hard to provide better, safer, and greener transport links for our residents, as well as those travelling in and out of the borough for work or leisure.
Read more: The ‘majority’ of Stevenson Square in Manchester city centre will be permanently pedestrianised
“This bridge, which would be funded with GM money, would make it far easier for people wanting to walk or cycle between Oldham and Tameside as well as, in the future, providing a great new route to Northern Roots.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation exercise, as your views have helped get us to the planning stage. If you have any further comments to make on the proposals, please add your comments to the planning application on our website.”
Oldham Council staff have been working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Tameside Council on the bridge proposal.
The application will be decided at a future meeting of the planning committee – you can see more information here.
Featured image: Oldham Council
