A BRIDGE used by ambulances to get to the Royal Bolton Hospital is nearing completion.

This picture shows the work being carried out on Green Lane Bridge -- a task which has cost £2 million.

Included in that was £150,000 to divert train services.

But engineers say motorists can begin to use the bridge from the end of March.

At one stage, it looked as if the bridge in Great Lever was going to remain permanently closed because it was not strong enough to take traffic.

The bridge was unable to support any traffic on the westbound lane and only three tonne vehicles on the eastbound lane.

Rather than strengthen it, the council and Network Rail decided instead to demolish it and start afresh. The new bridge will be able to handle up to 40 tonnes of traffic and it has been built to last for 120 years.

The work has meant some disruption for residents and drivers.

But Jonathan Cooke, the engineer who designed the bridge -- which is wider and has more pavement for pedestrians -- said: "This will enable traffic to get to and from the Royal Bolton Hospital with greater ease.

"Much of the work has been carried out at weekends and at night to minimise disruption and I think we've managed to do a very good job."

AMBULANCE ROUTE: Work continues on the railbridge on Green Lane