The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
After the shock announcement by LCC Highways that Two Plank Bridge and Blue Gowt Lane will be closed for 18 months, I carried out a survey of pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge.
At the time the weather was not brilliant so there would have been a higher count on a dry sunny day.
Over a 10.5-hour period I counted 343 people crossing over, so therefore this closure will inconvenience many people for a long time.
The two alternative routes that LCC are suggesting are both totally unsuitable.
The route via Jobsons Bridge is far too long for people to walk. The other route along Spalding Road is shorter, but much more dangerous. This road carries very heavy vehicle traffic, there are building site entrances on both sides, and also in the near future a large roundabout will be under construction.
Do LCC Highways consider this to be safe?
Would they be happy to let their children walk or cycle along there to school?
We are aware that a short closure is inevitable whilst the bridge is being replaced, but the route must then be reopened upon its completion.
Blue Gowt Lane could then be re-routed around the perimeter of the roadworks site.
Similar diversions have been implemented on other construction schemes, so why not this one?
Come on LCC Highways, use a bit of the old grey matter!
John Batterham
Angelica Drive
Spalding
