New pedestrian bridge to transform Bury Interchange

Plans for a new pedestrian bridge at Bury Interchange have been revealed as bosses seek to transform the area into Greater Manchester’s ‘first operationally carbon-neutral transport hub’.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has submitted plans for the new footbridge to Bury Council. The structure will span the tram lines from Union Square, between the Premier Inn and Q-Park car park, to Pyramid Park, serving as a second, new access to tram platforms.

The bridge will be connected to the platforms by both stairs and a fully accessible lift. It will ensure that passengers can still access trams when the interchange closes for its £80m+ upgrade, which is planned from 2027.

There are also plans to upgrade the existing platforms with resurfacing, new lights, signs and canopies. Should the proposals be approved, work could start on the bridge next year.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “These plans not only provide passengers with more ways to get to the tram platforms in Bury, they lay the groundwork for an ambitious transformation of the town’s transport interchange.

“We’re keeping up the pace on making our public transport network the best in the UK and the government’s approval of the Outline Business Case for the redevelopment of the interchange is another crucial step forward for Bury and Greater Manchester.

“The current interchange is way past its best and building on the success of Bee Network interchange upgrades – such as the wonderful space we now have in Stockport – our plan is to create a modern, attractive and user-friendly public transport hub for Bury and a much-improved gateway to the town.

“Bury will also be Greater Manchester’s first operationally carbon-neutral interchange, playing a key role in helping us meet our ‘net zero’ target by 2038 and creating a greener, healthier future for our city region.”

Designs for the redeveloped interchange are currently being drawn up, with public consultation proposed for 2026 to help shape the plans before a planning application is submitted.

Featured image credit: TfGM