Brand new photographs showing the recent development of the Bolton Interchange concourse have been released.

The images show significant progress has been made in the erection of the steel framework for the bus concourse building, which will provide a modern, accessible and sheltered environment for passengers to obtain information and wait for their services.

They also show the section of pre-cast concrete structure located next to the Blackburn-bound railway line, which was completed in late November. 

Work is continuing on the other sections of the site’s pre-cast concrete structure, with a 130-tonne crane lifting sections of it into place.

Earlier this year, Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) contractors, Kier installed 1002 concrete piles to support the interchange structure. The piles have a combined length of 14.7km, equivalent to the length of 1152 single decker buses, while the 4016 cubic metres of concrete used was enough to fill 33 double decker buses.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “The construction of the steel frame of the bus concourse and sections of the pre-cast concrete structure provide eye-catching demonstrations of the progress made on site.

“Passengers can now really see the fully accessible facility taking shape with a modern concourse, a single, integrated ticket office and improved links between bus and train services.

“When complete, the new multi-modal interchange will transform a key gateway into the town centre and provide much improved facilities for passengers.” 

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “Work is progressing well on the Interchange and people can get an idea of the scale of the project from the steelwork. The Interchange forms a key part of our town centre regeneration programme and I look forward to seeing it when work’s finished.”

Work started last year on Bolton Interchange, which is located on the Great Moor Street/Newport Street junction, backing onto the Network Rail train lines running north out of Bolton.

When complete, the interchange will provide modern, better passenger information and ticketing facilities, a safer, more secure waiting environment with greater accessibility and a skylink bridge directly connecting the interchange with the train station.

The transport interchange is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester in partnership with Bolton Council, and forms part of the regeneration of Newport Street.

It will provide a modern, high quality facility for bus passengers, giving good connectivity between bus and rail services and act as a gateway to the town centre.