Work on the multi-million pound Ordsall Chord scheme is continuing near Greater Manchester.

The second steel cascade has now been lifted into position, completing the last part of the UK's first network arch bridge.

Work remaining on the project involves laying ballast and track on the 1,600 tonne bridge, as well as further track work, signal work and installing overhead line equipment to allow electric trains to run.

Overall, the scheme will create new links to Manchester Airport and aims to improve connectivity across the north of England, as part of Network Rail's £1bn+ Great North Rail Project. Completion on the project is scheduled for December.

Allan Parker, programme manager for Network Rail, said: "The installation of the cascades completes the final and unique steel ribbon-effect which runs along the outside of the network arch bridge.  We've reached yet another major milestone in the project and I would like to thank all the teams who have played an integral role in making this happen. We are a step closer to providing the infrastructure for more frequent trains and better connections, not only within the city, but the north of England."

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Peter Jenkins, Transport architect director at BDP, which helped design the Ordsall Chord, said: "The overall concept for the bridges is that of a continual, flowing ribbon which incorporates individual structures into a single over-arching identity.

"This latest piece of steelwork connects the River Irwell and Trinity Way bridges with a twisting, sinuous form which smoothly brings the concept of the structure to fruition. The development has been a true team effort from the original sketch through to construction, integrating different people and different tools to achieve the vision.

"The process began with pen and paper concepts which were explored through structural analysis and developed into complex three-dimensional modelling. The bridge's arches and cascades were then fabricated by Severfield in Bolton using the latest steelwork techniques before being delivered to site."

(LM/MH)