Greyhound Bridge

The Greyhound Bridge is a road-connection spanning the River Lune as it runs through Lancaster, England. It serves as the primary route northwards, on account of a one-way system that directs all southbound traffic over Skerton Bridge. Originally built to carry a railway, it is the third bridge to stand on the present site and lies between the Lune Millennium Bridge and Skerton Bridge.

1. History

The first bridge on the site was constructed out of laminated timber in 1848 to carry the Morecambe Harbour and Railway Company's new railway, linking the adjoining Lancaster Green Ayre railway station to Morecambe Harbour. That was replaced by a wrought iron viaduct during 1862–64, and by the third and current bridge in 1911. Material salvaged from the demolition of the second bridge was used in the 1913 reconstruction of what is now the "Halton Narrow Toll Bridge", further up the River Lune, on the same railway line. After the closure of the railway in 1966, the Greyhound Bridge was converted for use by road traffic and re-opened in 1972.

1. Significance

The structure is notable for its westward curve, onto the northern bank of the River Lune; a feature that has been prominent on the landscape, since at least the wrought-iron second incarnation of the bridge, completed in 1864. With overhead electrification of the Lancaster–Morecambe Line in 1908, it is very possible that the Greyhound Bridge may have been the first bridge in the United Kingdom to carry electrified rolling stock, owing to it being the only bridge on that section of line.

1. Closure

Lancashire County Council have stated that the bridge requires substantial maintenance in order to avoid a weight limit being placed on it. These works are anticipated to cost £3.7 million and are expected to result in the bridge being closed for 23 weeks between January and August 2018. During this time the nearby Skerton Bridge will be adapted to carry vehicles in two directions. These changes have been criticised by local bus users who feel that the removal of two sections of bus priority lanes will increase journey times across the river. However, without these works, buses would not have been able to use the Greyhound bridge from 2019 due to the proposed weight restriction.

1. References

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34 m

Old Loyne Bridge

The Old Loyne Bridge was the main bridge spanning the stretch of River Lune as it ran through the modern day city of Lancaster, extant and in use for at least six hundred years, leading up to its closure and partial demolition in 1802. From the southern bank (cityside), the bridge was reached by following China Lane and Bridge Lane, leading across to what is now the vicinity of Our Lady's Catholic College.

Bridge Landmark

Lune Millennium Bridge

The Lune Millennium Bridge is a cable-stayed, multi-way footbridge which spans the River Lune in Lancaster, England. It was designed by Whitby Bird and Partners, and built at a cost of £1.8m to commemorate the millennium of 2000. The bridge forms a "Y"-shape in plan to connect one bank both to a viaduct and adjacent quay. Its double pylon seeks to act as a reminder of the masted ships which previously used the quay. It features a main gangway of just over 30 metres and masts around 40 metres tall. The bridge is part of the National Cycle Network and connects multiple local cyclepaths together, including the one to Morecambe, the one to Caton and the one to Glasson Dock. It's part of route 6 and its design received the Sustrans National Cycle Network Award for Excellence in 2005, and was commended in the Civic Trust Awards in 2003. Its location is culturally significant as the near-approximate site of the historic Old Loyne Bridge.

Bridge Hiking

Lancaster Green Ayre railway station

Lancaster Green Ayre railway station was the Midland Railway's station in the city of Lancaster, England. The line between Green Ayre and Morecambe was used for pioneering experimental electrification via overhead wires. The station closed to passengers in 1966 and no trace of it remain.

Landmark Train

Lancaster bus station

Lancaster bus station serves the city of Lancaster, Lancashire, England. The bus station was funded by both the Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council. The station, situated in the centre of the city, was rebuilt and opened in 2001, replacing the previous bus station dating to 1939. It is staffed full-time, completely covered and consists of 20 stands, a refreshment kiosk, on-site toilet facilities and an electronic passenger information board. Directly outside the bus station is Lancaster's main taxi rank.

Landmark