Footbridge linking Spalding and Pinchbeck could be closed for nearly two years

A bridge that’s part of a footpath that links Spalding to Pinchbeck could be closed for up to nearly two years, it’s been revealed.

Two Plank footbridge will close on Saturday, July 17 and won’t be open until ‘Winter 2022’ Lincolnshire County Council has said.

Just last month the authority said following vandalism the bridge which takes the footpath over Vernatt’s Drain would only be closed for around eight months as part of the work on the first section on the Spalding Western Relief Road.

However the county council now say it’s likely to be longer, but it is working on reducing the closure time.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “The current Two Plank Bridge that crosses over the Vernatt’s is nearing the end of its life. So, as part of construction of the first section of Spalding’s new relief road, we’ll be replacing it with a brand-new crossing.

“The new and wider 16-tonne bridge will be made of steel, making it harder-wearing and easier to maintain than the current wooden crossing, which is easily damaged.

“Closing this busy pedestrian route for over a year will no doubt cause some disruption for the people who use it regularly, but keeping it shut will allow for the old footbridge to be replaced, a new culvert to be installed and for construction of the relief road to be safely carried out near the Blue Gowt Lane / Vernatt’s crossing.

“In the meantime, we will be exploring ways of reducing the length of the Two Plank Bridge closure.

“I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience as we replace Two Plank Bridge and build the north section of Spalding’s new relief road.”

The diversion routes for Two Plank Bridge will be as follows:

·         Blue route: via Two Plank Lane / Woolram Wygate / B1356 Pinchbeck Road / Market Way / Blue Gowt Lane, and vice versa.

·         Red route: via Vernatt’s Drain / Jobson’s Bridge / Tydd Road / Mill Green Road / Blue Gowt Drove, and vice versa.

The footpath on the Wygate estate across the rail line will also be shut during this time. The county council say this is to ensure the safety of pedestrians due to limited visibility for train drivers while the new relief road bridge is being built.

The diversion for this will be via Sharp’s bridge southbound on B1356 Pinchbeck Road to the junction with Woolram Wygate / westbound on Woolram Wygate to the junction with Two Plank Lane / northbound on Two Plank Lane / re-joining footpath 15 at the Vernatt’s Drain, and vice versa.

For more information about the Spalding Western Relief Road project, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/swrr