Suggitt's Lane Bridge
{{use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox bridge|name=Suggitt's Lane Bridge|native_name=|native_name_lang=|image=|image_upright=|alt=|caption=|coordinates={{coord|53.5681|-0.0384|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}|os_grid_reference=|carries=|crosses=South Humberside Main Line|locale=Cleethorpes|official_name=|other_name=|named_for=|owner=North East Lincolnshire Council|maint=|heritage=|id_type=|website=|preceded=|followed=|design=|material=|material1=|material2=|length={{convert|11|m|ft}}|width=|height=|depth=|traversable=|towpath=|mainspan=|number_spans=|piers_in_water=|load=|clearance_above=|clearance_below=|lanes=|life=|num_track=|track_gauge=|structure_gauge=|electrification=|architect=|designer=|winner=|contracted_designer=|engineering=|builder=|fabricator=|begin=|complete=|cost=|open={{start date|df=yes|2022|03|18}}|inaugurated=|rebuilt=|collapsed=|closed=|replaces=|replaced_by=|traffic=|toll=|refs=|extra=|id=|qid=|ends=|capacity=|third_diameter=|third_length=|second_diameter=|second_length=|first_diameter=|first_length=|starts=}}
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
File:Suggits Lane - geograph.org.uk - 373648.jpg
Suggitt's Lane level crossing was closed by Network Rail in April 2019 due to safety concerns following fifteen near misses in ten years.{{Cite news |last=Craig |first=Peter |date=2021-03-10 |title=First look at £3.6m Suggitt's Lane bridge as scheme gets approved |language=en-GB |work=GrimsbyLive |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/first-look-new-36m-suggitts-5121145 |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026132759/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/first-look-new-36m-suggitts-5121145 |url-status=live }} The company cited both intentional and unintentional misuse.{{Cite news |last=Freshwater |first=Paige |date=2019-03-05 |title=Suggit's Lane crossing to close due to 'unacceptable behaviour' |language=en-GB |work=GrimsbyLive |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/suggitts-lane-level-crossing-closing-2608408 |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514002618/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/suggitts-lane-level-crossing-closing-2608408 |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite news |last=Bedford |first=Corey |date=2020-09-23 |title=Calls for Suggitts Lane development 18 months after crossing closed |language=en-GB |work=GrimsbyLive |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/calls-suggitts-lane-crossing-become-4540083 |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417000847/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/calls-suggitts-lane-crossing-become-4540083 |url-status=live }} On 14 October 2020 while being questioned in parliament, Johnson announced that a replacement bridge had been given the go-ahead.{{Cite news |last=Craig |first=Peter |date=2020-10-14 |title=Boris gives go-ahead for bridge over railway at Suggitt's Lane |language=en-GB |work=GrimsbyLive |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/boris-gives-go-ahead-bridge-4606090 |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415115202/https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/boris-gives-go-ahead-bridge-4606090 |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=New £3.6m bridge opens at Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes |url=https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/new-3-6m-bridge-opens-at-suggitts-lane-in-cleethorpes/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=NELC |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318150053/https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/new-3-6m-bridge-opens-at-suggitts-lane-in-cleethorpes/ |url-status=live }}
Construction
Construction began in June 2021.{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Alan |date=2021-06-29 |title=Work begins on accessible footbridge in Cleethorpes |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/06/work-begins-on-accessible-footbridge-in-cleethorpes.html |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=RailAdvent |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629102918/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/06/work-begins-on-accessible-footbridge-in-cleethorpes.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-22 |title=New accessible footbridge will connect people in Cleethorpes to seafront from March |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/new-accessible-footbridge-will-connect-people-in-cleethorpes-to-seafront-from-march |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Network Rail Media Centre |language=english |archive-date=22 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222151950/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/new-accessible-footbridge-will-connect-people-in-cleethorpes-to-seafront-from-march |url-status=live }} The bridge opened on 18 March 2022.
Specification
The bridge deck is {{Convert|11|m|ft|abbr=off}} long, and allows enough space for the line between Grimsby and Cleethorpes be re-doubled. It is accessible on both sides via stairs or ramps. It is lit and covered by CCTV.