Call to make M61 bridges safer after number of tragedies

The latest plea comes after a recent incident in which woman received ‘life -changing’ injuries.

There have been other similar incidents, including one in 2023, which prompted calls for action.

In 2023, Bolton Coroners Court heard how a 55-year-old father jumped off a motorway bridge.

John Bullen from the Over Hulton Community Group, said: “There’s been two people injured after falling from the bridge in recent months.

“I know other areas in Bolton have had more safety measures put in, so I think it’s time we did it here.

“There have been more incidents than have been reported, too, because people get talked out of it – I know of at least two examples.”

A man suffering from schizophrenia died at the bridge in 2023 after falling to his death.

Just four days following this, Stephanie Williams – of the Friends of Over Hulton group – began a campaign to make the bridge safer.

A petition has been set up urging authorities to enhance the barriers on the M61 motorway bridges, but work was not ultimately carried out.

Mr Bullen revived efforts to install greater safety measures after last week’s incident, though he had been in contact with National Highways prior to this.

“There was something about three months ago that really spurred me on to look into this,” said Mr Bullen.

“I was having a drink with my wife in one of the Over Hulton pubs and this guy came in.

“He’d seen a woman on the bridge and managed to jump out of his car and grab hold of her.

“We were all shocked.”

National Highways assured him that the motorway bridge was on their radar and was due for safety upgrades, but that other areas with even high numbers of incidents must come first.

National Highways plan to heighten the parapets, with each installation costing around £1m.

Other safety installations have recently taken place at three locations along the M602 in Salford, Greater Manchester.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Everyone’s safety on our network matters to us. We recognise the wide reaching and devastating impact of suicide for both individuals and communities.

“We work closely with groups like Samaritans, the police, local authorities and other partners and routinely review incidents to see what more might be done to help people in crisis.

“There isn’t a single solution that works for every situation – for example there can be complicated technical challenges involved in altering bridge structures – however, whenever we become aware of any incidents, we carefully review the options and take practical steps to address them whenever we can.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.