It has occurred to me, that the proposed repairs to Cross Keys bridge at Sutton Bridge next year will cause unprecedented consequences.
According to local reports, the bridge will only be open to one-way traffic, with a manned traffic light system in place.
Today, Friday 9 June, I counted 95 cars and 15 trucks going across the bridge to the West in Lincolnshire in the space of five minutes.
If all that traffic builds up, (an estimate of 2,800 feet, or half a mile, of static vehicles) would amount to a tailback of miles of static traffic in both directions.
Perhaps one of the experts at LCC could start thinking outside of the box?
During WWII, the British were very good at building bridges, and today we have an excellent Army, ready for any eventuality, and of course have all the troops and equipment stored away ready for deployment, and already purchased by the taxpayers.
Dad’s Army comes to mind when on exercise with a pontoon bridge and the brigadier on his horse insisting that the troops salute.
They obey his order, dropping the ropes. He then drifts off down the river: Bloody Fool!
A pontoon bridge wouldn’t be feasible, but a temporary bailey bridge over the south side of the River Nene could give the Royal Engineers a good project.
It might mean cutting down a few trees and setting up some traffic control.
There is good access from the east just before the bridge; sling a bailey bridge across to connect with the roundabout.
Lay a temporary metal roadway as used on grass airfields. Job done!
Eastbound traffic would then have unhindered access to either lane over Cross Keys bridge.
There is also the issue of keeping Cross Keys bridge open for shipping to proceed to Wisbech Port.
As far as I can determine, maybe two or three vessels per month go to Wisbech. Sutton Bridge has almost no ships, but a port authority and Custom’s House, with three people who are doing nothing.
Unload any vessels heading for Wisbech at Sutton Bridge, and move whatever it is to Wisbech by road via the A17 and A1101.
Food for thought? A Google search for ‘British Army pontoon bridges’ provides some good videos!
Paul Matten
Green Lane, Spalding
