Motorists in Manchester are being urged to plan ahead for ‘essential works’ arriving at the start of the new year.
As part of what is Manchester City Council‘s ongoing scheme of essential bridge maintenance that’s currently happening across the city region, it’s now been confirmed that a nine-week programme of works will take place as soon as 2024 arrives.
This means that a series of lane closures are planned for Mancunian Way, and a number of other bridges in the borough, for more than two months starting from the evening of Sunday 7 January 2024.
Works are scheduled to take place on Mancunian Way, Freeman Street, and Bonsall Bridge.
According to the Council, while the Mancunian Way will only be affected by lane closures, rather than a complete closure of the road, both the Bonsall Street Bridge – which is only accessible for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians – and the Freeman Street Footbridge, will be subject to full closures.
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This is based on “the scope of works required for them”, Councillors say.
Manchester motorists urged to plan ahead for ‘essential maintenance’ works at the start of 2024 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Specialised investigations for each bridge structures are set to take place, which involves works such as running surfaces, waterproof membranes, tension cables, and anchoring points.
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On Mancunian Way, lane closures are expected for up to four weeks from Sunday 7 January, while on the Freeman Street Bridge (Princess Street), there’s set to be a full closure for up to two weeks from 5 February, and then over on Bonsall Bonsall Bridge (Princess Street), there’ll be a full closure for up to three weeks from 19 February.
The Council is warning motorists that there’ll be “heavier levels of traffic” across the city centre while these works are carried out.
“We understand that this period of work may be disruptive,” explained Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who is the Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
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“However, these inspection works are vital and we will endeavour to complete them as quickly as possible, [as] safety is and will remain our top priority, and we must ensure that our roads and bridges remain safe to use and drive on.
“During this time, there will of course be heavier levels of traffic, especially during peak periods, so I would ask people to please plan ahead.”
Manchester City Council has confirmed that signage will be installed in all affected locations to “advise motorists and pedestrians of the closures in advance of works commencing”, and also, where applicable, what diversions will be in place.
Firefighters to now wear cameras after Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations
Emily Sergeant
Firefighters in Greater Manchester are to now start using body-worn cameras following recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has says the Inquiry ‘highlighted the importance’ of capturing clear information and recording decision-making during major incidents, particularly when multiple emergency services are required to respond to ‘complex and fast-moving’ situations, as was, of course, the case with the Manchester Arena attack back in 2017.
The introduction of body-worn cameras will support this by providing a real-time record of what crews see, hear, and communicate while attending incidents.
A total of 233 cameras will be rolled out across the service, giving firefighters the ability to record high-definition video and audio while attending incidents.
We’re rolling out body‑worn video cameras across our Service following Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations.
The technology will support operational learning, transparency and real‑time decision‑making – helping our firefighters and officers provide the best possible… pic.twitter.com/aoHezIXWEv
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) April 11, 2026
The devices can also livestream footage in real time, so that senior officers can view incidents as they unfold and provide additional support when it’s needed most.
Frontline officers who attend incidents will be the first to receive the cameras, followed by prevention and protection teams, and then the incident command academy as the rollout continues.
Following a successful pilot trial back in May 2025, when the cameras were tested in real incident conditions, the cameras will now be used at a wide range of incidents – from house fires and road traffic collisions, to larger and more complex emergencies.
Firefighters to now wear cameras after Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations / Credit: GMFRS
Footage will help crews to review how incidents were handled, improve training, and strengthen safety for both firefighters and the public.
“Introducing body worn cameras is a significant step forward for our service,” commented Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Carlos Meakin. “It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents, while also helping to protect our crews by providing a clear record of the challenges they face on the frontline.
“The ability to livestream footage and review it afterwards will strengthen how we support crews on the ground, improve training, and enhance how we respond to major emergencies.
“This investment reflects our commitment to learning from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and continuing to strengthen how we respond to incidents across Greater Manchester.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
News
Endangered baby giant otter triplets have been born at Chester Zoo
Emily Sergeant
This calls for celebration, as Chester Zoo has welcomed baby giant otter triplets in what is huge news for the endangered species.
It’s been a really exciting start to 2026 at Chester Zoo, as it was only a couple of days ago we got to see Dotty the baby Kirk’s dik-dik – which is one of the smallest antelopes in the world – take her first steps, and now it’s time to say hello to three new arrivals in the form of giant otter pups.
The trio are the first of their kind to be born at the zoo in several years, and arrive as part of an international conservation effort to boost numbers.
Arriving to first-time parents Bonita and Manu, up until now, the three giant otter pups have remained tucked away in their cosy holt with mum feeding them regularly until they more than tripled in size – but now, they’ve officially entered into the big wide world.
Following their first health check-up with the zoo’s veterinary team, conservationists have revealed the sex of the pups to be two males and a female
Their names are yet to be chosen, so keep your eyes peeled.
Endangered baby giant otter triplets have been born at Chester Zoo / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has described this triple birth as a ‘rare boost’ for one of the world’s most endangered species, as there are thought to be fewer than 5,000 giant otters surviving in the wild right now.
Giant otters are the world’s largest species of otter, with a powerful build, sharp teeth, and a highly social nature. As one of the apex predators in the waterways where they live, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems.
But sadly, experts say the species faces ‘an uncertain future’, with their decline largely driven by deforestation, water pollution, and illegal hunting, leading them to be listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning they face a very-high risk of extinction without urgent conservation action.
“The arrival of these three giant otter pups is a hugely special moment and marks the first time the species has been born here in seven years,” explained Rachael Boatwright, who is the Assistant Team Manager of carnivores at Chester Zoo.
“The pups recently had their very first health check-up at eight weeks old, where they were weighed and had their heart, teeth and overall condition assessed by the zoo’s vets. We’re delighted to confirm that all three are healthy and thriving – and that we have two males and one female pup.
“At eight weeks old, the pups will now start to venture outside alongside parents Bonita and Manu, who will start introducing them to the water and all of the essential skills they’ll need as they grow.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th December 2023 
