WORK is progressing well on the multi-modal Bolton Interchange, with new pictures showing the on-site developments over the festive and new year period.

The steelwork and pre-cast concrete work is now complete and work is under way to add the concrete to complete the bus apron, where buses will operate.

Work has also started on the steelwork required to support the bus concourse’s ETFE roof. ETFE, which stands for Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene, is a lightweight and translucent alternative to glass which enables natural light to fall into the centre of the building and cuts the need for artificial lighting. The same material has been used for the roofs on Interchanges at Rochdale and Altrincham as well as Victoria Rail Station

The bus concourse building will provide a modern shelter for passengers to find information and wait for services.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Anyone who visiting or passing the site can see the eye-catching, rapid and exciting progress that has been made on the project over the last few months, which really is positive news for the town.

“When complete, the new fully-accessible interchange will transform a key gateway into the town centre and provide much improved facilities and links between modes of transport for passengers.”

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “It’s great to see work progressing and the interchange is a key part of our town centre programme. There’s a lot of development going on in that part of town. The regeneration of Newport Street is under way and construction of the £6.5 million Bolton Central office development has also started.”

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 developed by Transport for Greater Manchester in partnership with Bolton Council, and is part of the regeneration of Newport Street.