Network Rail has reached a milestone on a £85 million project in Greater Manchester.

Engineers are to begin restoring the historic Stephenson's bridge in Salford as part of the Ordsall Chord development.

The project will connect Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly train stations for the first time as well as help reduce congestion at Piccadilly.

Rejuvenation work on the structure can go ahead after Network Rail removed the old Princes Bridge. Work will also continue on removing a large steel girder to provide a full view of the bridge.

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Terry Strickland, area director for Network Rail, said: "Work is progressing as part of the Ordsall Chord development and we are really seeing things change on site. Following the removal of Princes Bridge, the girder extension will be taken down and the rejuvenation of Stephenson's Bridge will continue at a pace.

"A new footbridge will cross the River Irwell and will allow members of the public to view Stephenson's Bridge close at hand for the first time in over 150 years."

The Ordsall Chord project will be completed by December 2017.

(LM/CD)