By New Suggitt’s Lane footbridge to be built later this year
North East Lincolnshire Council has approved the plans for a new accessible footbridge over the railway at Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes at a meeting last night.
The £3.6 million project, funded by Network Rail and the Department for Transport, will give residents a new access point to the seafront, after the crossing was closed suddenly to the public in April 2019 for safety reasons.
Since then, North East Lincolnshire Council and Network Rail have worked closely together to come up with a plan for an alternative access over the railway.
Now, images of the proposed bridge have been released and will be shared with members of the public during a community engagement window which will run from Thursday 11 March until Friday 26 March.
During this period, residents will be able to view more details and comment on the plans online, before the formal planning process for the new footbridge begins.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council said: “I’d like to thank Network Rail and the Department for Transport for listening to local people’s views on how important this access was for them.
“I know a lot of hard work has gone into the proposals so far from everyone involved and I’m delighted this has now been approved. I’ll be watching the project with keen interest and I look forward to hopefully seeing the residents’ access across the railway restored soon.
“It’s what people have been asking for and now we can let people know about the plans and hopefully move things forward to a successful conclusion.”
Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “We are delighted that the plans for an accessible footbridge at Suggitt’s Lane have been approved.
“We know how important access over the railway is for people in Cleethorpes and we appreciate their continued patience whilst we’ve worked with the Council to find the best option.
“I look forward to hearing local feedback on the plans. Depending on the feedback we get during the engagement and subsequent planning process, we’ll look to carry out work to install the footbridge as soon as we can. This will once again connect people in the town to the seafront.”
Martin Vickers, Member of Parliament for Cleethorpes, said: “I am delighted that following many months of discussions, the Council have been able to approve a clear plan to resolve the matter. Whilst I disagreed with Network Rail’s initial decision, I am grateful to them for helping to reach a conclusion which will allow all residents – whether able-bodied or disabled – to safely cross the railway line at Suggitt’s Lane.
“I know this will also be welcome news to local people and the nearby businesses which have been adversely affected by the closure. I do not believe this solution would have been reached without the intervention of the Prime Minister who has taken a keen interest in the matter.”
To view the plans and provide feedback, people can do so by visiting www.nelincs.gov.uk/have-your-say.
Depending on the results during the community engagement period, Network Rail are aiming to start developing the new bridge later this year.
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