Suggitt's Lane Bridge Explained
Suggitt's Lane Bridge is a footbridge in Cleethorpes that crosses the South Humberside Main Line. It opened in 2022 and replaced a level crossing.
Background
Suggitt's Lane level crossing was closed by Network Rail in April 2019 due to safety concerns following fifteen near misses in ten years.[1] The company cited both intentional and unintentional misuse.[2] In June 2019, Boris Johnson pledged to reopen the level crossing if he became prime minister. Following the closure, Network Rail stated that the level crossing could not be reopened and that it had entered into discussions with local councillors on how an alternative crossing could be created.[3] On 14 October 2020 while being questioned in parliament, Johnson announced that a replacement bridge had been given the go-ahead.[4]
The design of the bridge was revealed in March 2021.[5]
Funding
The bridge cost £3.6 million, with Network Rail providing £2 million and the Department for Transport providing £1.6 million. North East Lincolnshire Council own the bridge and are responsible for its maintenance.[6]
Construction
Construction began in June 2021.[7] The bridge had been expected to be completed before Christmas, but was delayed due to strong winds during Storm Arwen and Storm Barra which prevented the safe operation of a crane.[8] The bridge opened on 18 March 2022.
Specification
The bridge deck is 11m (36feet) long. It is accessible on both sides via stairs or ramps. It is lit and covered by CCTV.
References
- News: Craig . Peter . 2021-03-10 . First look at £3.6m Suggitt's Lane bridge as scheme gets approved . en-GB . GrimsbyLive . 2022-03-22 . 0307-1235 . 26 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211026132759/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/first-look-new-36m-suggitts-5121145 . live .
- News: Freshwater . Paige . 2019-03-05 . Suggit's Lane crossing to close due to 'unacceptable behaviour' . en-GB . GrimsbyLive . 2022-03-22 . 0307-1235 . 14 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210514002618/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/suggitts-lane-level-crossing-closing-2608408 . live .
- News: Bedford . Corey . 2020-09-23 . Calls for Suggitts Lane development 18 months after crossing closed . en-GB . GrimsbyLive . 2022-03-22 . 0307-1235 . 17 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210417000847/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/calls-suggitts-lane-crossing-become-4540083 . live .
- News: Craig . Peter . 2020-10-14 . Boris gives go-ahead for bridge over railway at Suggitt's Lane . en-GB . GrimsbyLive . 2022-03-22 . 0307-1235 . 15 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210415115202/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/boris-gives-go-ahead-bridge-4606090 . live .
- News: Craig . Peter . 2021-03-10 . First look at £3.6m Suggitt's Lane bridge as scheme gets approved . en-GB . GrimsbyLive . 2022-03-22 . 0307-1235 . 26 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211026132759/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/first-look-new-36m-suggitts-5121145 . live .
- Web site: 2022-03-18 . New £3.6m bridge opens at Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes . 2022-03-22 . NELC . 18 March 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220318150053/https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/new-3-6m-bridge-opens-at-suggitts-lane-in-cleethorpes/ . live .
- Web site: Holden . Alan . 2021-06-29 . Work begins on accessible footbridge in Cleethorpes . 2022-03-22 . RailAdvent . en-GB . 29 June 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210629102918/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/06/work-begins-on-accessible-footbridge-in-cleethorpes.html . live .
- Web site: 2021-12-22 . New accessible footbridge will connect people in Cleethorpes to seafront from March . 2022-03-22 . Network Rail Media Centre . english . 22 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211222151950/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/new-accessible-footbridge-will-connect-people-in-cleethorpes-to-seafront-from-march . live .
