Network Rail has today announced that the new accessible footbridge at Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes will officially open in March 2022.
Work began on-site in June 2021 after plans were approved by North East Lincolnshire Council and the bridge was planned to open before Christmas.
However, Storm Arwen and Storm Barra brought strong winds to the area and major challenges to the final stages of the project. Safety is Network Rail’s main priority and the last few crane lifts to put the final pieces of the bridge into place had to be cancelled due to the severe weather.
This vital stage of work can only be done safely while the railway is closed and when key resources are available. This means that after careful replanning, the footbridge is now expected to open in March 2022. The final stages of the project will include the installation of lighting and CCTV, as well as work to link the bridge to the promenade.
Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said: “While we had planned to open the new footbridge before Christmas, unfortunately the recent harsh weather limited our progress. Despite our best efforts, we’ve had to extend the project by a few months to deliver the project safely.
“I know there are many people looking forward to using the bridge and that it’ll provide an important accessible link to the seafront. We’re working as quickly as we can to finish the final stages of the work so that the bridge is ready to open to the community in March.”
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for highways and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Given the two bad storms that we have encountered in recent weeks, we completely understand the delays announced. We all look forward to this scheme coming to fruition and providing safe passage for all over the new footbridge from next Spring onwards.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
