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Monday 6 Sep 2021

Network Rail prepares to install new accessible footbridge at Suggitt’s Lane

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Major work will take place later this month on a project to install a new accessible footbridge over the railway at Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes - which will connect people in the seaside town with the beachfront.

Work began in June after the plans were approved by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The new footbridge – which has been built offsite to minimise disruption for people in the community – will have stepped and ramped access.

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September, engineers will put part of the new bridge in place and install the ramps on the promenade side.

This crucial part of the project can only be carried out safely when there are no trains running in the area. Over the weekend, the following changes will be in place:

• Buses will replace TransPennine Express services between Doncaster and Cleethorpes.
• East Midlands Railway services will start/end at Grimsby Town. Bus replacement services will connect passengers between Grimsby Town and Cleethorpes.
• Buses will replace Northern services between Gainsborough Central and Cleethorpes on Saturday 25 September.

Passengers are advised to check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator and allow plenty of time.

The next stages will involve putting the rest of the structure into place, landscaping work to develop walkways on the approach to the bridge and work to install lighting and CCTV. The project is expected to be completed in December. 

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “The work later this month will be a major milestone in this vital project as we continue to work to deliver a fully accessible footbridge for people in Cleethorpes.

“We’ve planned the work carefully to minimise disruption for people in the community and for passengers, but this latest stage can only be done safely when a section of the line is closed. Bus replacement services will run over the weekend to keep people moving.”

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The project is continuing apace, and I’m pleased that we’re nearing the final stages now. We’ve worked tirelessly throughout this project to keep local people informed and involved. This footbridge will provide a key link for the people of Cleethorpes to access land on the sea-ward side, including easy access to the port and the North Prom.”

Adam Fairclough, Head of Customer Insights and Improvement for TransPennine Express, said: “Whilst work continues on the accessible footbridge over the railway at Suggitt’s Lane in Cleethorpes we will be offering a bus replacement service for passengers between Doncaster and Cleethorpes on Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th September, with trains only running between Manchester Piccadilly and Doncaster. Passengers are advised to check the latest travel advice before they travel on our website www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times; updates will also be available on our social media channels.”

Network Rail took the decision to close Suggitt’s Lane in April 2019 for safety reasons. Network Rail and North East Lincolnshire Council have worked closely together on plans for an alternative access over the railway.

ENDS