Delays to Suggitt’s Lane bridge opening
Progress is on the construction of the new Suggitt’s Lane footbridge which will provide both disabled and pedestrian access to the seafront, has been delayed.
Construction on the £3.6m bridge, which is being jointly funded by Network Rail and the Department for Transport, began in June.
Speaking a few months ago, Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for highways and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Things are obviously moving on quickly now with the bridge build, and like many others, I’ll be pleased to see it in place to reconnect our community in that area with the seafront – something that’s been missing for a while now.”
The bridge was scheduled to open this month, and while progress is ongoing, it is yet to be completed and an official opening date has still not been given.
According to Network Rail, the bridge will be open for use by the end of the year.
But with Christmas fast approaching, a number of workmen on site have expressed concerns over the viability of this plan.
When questioned, a spokesperson for Network Rail simply said: “We are expecting to share more information imminently on this, and give more details on the opening date of the footbridge.”
Meanwhile, in the rush to finish the project, a number of local residents have complained that overnight works on the new Suggitt’s lane bridge have reportedly resulted in sleep disturbances. along with causing people’s homes to rattle and vibrate.
The bridge is intended as a replacement for the level crossing, which was closed to the public unexpectedly in April 2019.
Residents have since had to use the Fuller Street Bridge, which has 77 steps and no disabled access, to cross over to the sea front.
The Department for Transport have been contacted for comment, but have not responded.
(Photo: Lloyd Binns)
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