More than £2m has been signed off to build a bridge over the River Irwell in Radcliffe to replace a previous structure which was destroyed more than seven years ago.

The new crossing, which will run adjacent to Rectory Lane, will replace an old footbridge which was wrecked in the 2015 Boxing Day floods when Storm Eva struck.  

The old structure has been out of service since the damage with one span of the bridge later being removed after being deemed unsafe.

It was not considered practicable to repair the existing bridge.

But last week, members of Greater Manchester's Bee Network Committee approved the draw down of £2.55m to build and complete the cycling and walking bridge, which will connect Radcliffe Metrolink stop, the town centre and residential areas to the east and south of the town.

The new 42m-long steel bridge, due to be completed in September next year, will be built at a higher level than the previous bridge to mitigate the risk of high water levels in future.

The route will connect Rectory Lane with Milltown Street and improve people’s journeys from south Radcliffe to West Radcliffe, including those from Cross Lane to the library, and from Stand Lane to Close Park.

Funding has been drawn down from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, which was established to enhance the quality of cycling, walking and wheeling infrastructure across Greater Manchester.

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations at the council, said: “Every Radcliffe resident will remember the day when the original bridge was practically swept away by Storm Eva.

“This new bridge will be very welcome, making access across the river much easier, and promoting the benefits of walking and cycling.

"We can’t wait for it to open.”

Other transport schemes approved by the committee include £2.72m being set aside to facilitate the completion of an outline business case for the ongoing Bury Interchange plans with a further update due to be given at a later date.

Programme director of cycling and walking at Transport for Greater Manchester, Richard Nickson, said: “The new bridge over the River Irwell will provide a new cycling and walking connection between the Metrolink stop and Radcliffe town centre, as well as existing and proposed residential areas to the east and south of the town.

“This new piece of infrastructure will enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle in their community and forms part of the Bee Network – our vision to deliver a fully-integrated transport network connecting all modes of travel across Greater Manchester.

“We’re looking forward to working with Bury Council on the delivery of this exciting scheme.”