New images show progress made on Spalding’s Western Relief Road with plans to replace Two Plank Bridge

New images showing progress on Spalding’s Western Relief Road have been released – along with details for a long-awaited replacement footbridge.

Lincolnshire County Council have shared aerial photographs of the latest phase of work and set out a timeline for the return of Two Plank Bridge. The wooden bridge had been taken down in March 2022 as part of the road construction project – and was only due to be away for 18 months.

The road plans to provide a new route around the west side of the town and link the A1175 and A16 to the south and east of Spalding, to the B1356 to the north, via the B1172 Spalding Common.

The project has been beset by delays and funding cuts – with the current project labelled the ‘biggest cul-de-sac’ in Europe given that there’s no timeline for connecting this northern section to a full bypass.

Throughout January, February and March work will include installing kerbing, drainage and street lighting at western junction, continue the construction of the retaining wall and continue the construction of the bridge deck.

The past three months have seen landscaping activities, including grass seeding and bulb planting completed, bridge beams onto the piers and abutments installed, among other work.

A badger culvert was also installed.

Two Plank Bridge and Blue Gowt Lane in Pinchbeck remain closed as work continues.

However, further closures are soon to be in place, including Two Plank Lane in Spalding – with part of this road shut for bridge footpath construction from February 12, until Summer 2024.

What do you think? Will you be glad to see the bridge return at last? Tell us your views in the comments below...