Construction firm Osborne has started the construction of a road bridge over River Mersey in Stockport, UK.

The company secured the contract to build this Mersey Bridge last year.

The 38m bridge will connect Swaine Street with Astley Street providing a two-way link for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians between the A6 and the planned transport interchange through Heaton Lane.

In the following months, Osborne will carry out ground investigation, excavations and piling works to install the steel beams of the bridge.

Developed by Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the bridge is being funded under the Greater Manchester Growth Deal programme.

“The start of work is a big step forward in improving access into the area, making public transport easier for everyone to use.”

TfGM Project Group head Alex Cropper said: “The bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure which will improve traffic flow and journeys in general in the local area, as well as access for buses to the bus station and to the new interchange, which we plan to build on the bus station site in the future.”

Stockport is currently investing around £1bn in various projects to transform the borough.

As a part of this investment, significant improvement works will be carried out to enhance transportation network in the region.

Stockport Council Place Management strategic head Mark Glynn said: “The Mersey Bridge link is the first step in developing a new transport interchange for Stockport town centre.

“The start of work is a big step forward in improving access into the area, making public transport easier for everyone to use.”

The Mersey Bridge is expected to be opened for traffic movement in the next year.