Debate Over Fourth Bridge Over River Trent Heats Up in Nottinghamshire

Strategic Insights -

Councillors in Nottinghamshire are divided on the location of a proposed fourth bridge over the River Trent, with some arguing for a crossing in Colwick and others suggesting a location further north in Bassetlaw. The decision on where to build the new bridge is crucial in relieving traffic jams across the city and beyond. While a crossing at Trent Basin is currently being built for cyclists and pedestrians, the last road bridge was built decades ago.

Key Takeaways:

  • Councillor Mike Robertson, representing the Misterton division, suggests a new bridge in Bassetlaw, citing the existing single-carriageway Flood Road bridge as inadequate for the planned STEP nuclear fusion power plant in West Burton.
  • Councillor Mike Robertson notes that the A631 is the arterial route between Doncaster and Gainsborough, serving residents with links to South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and requiring an additional crossing.
  • Councillor Mike Adams, representing Carlton East for the Conservatives, advocates for a new bridge at Colwick, highlighting its benefits for the East Midlands and the creation of jobs.
  • The new study assessing options for a fourth road crossing will include evaluating the preference for a new bridge at Colwick, with updates expected later this year.
  • The study was funded using money from the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Statistics:

  • 18 miles: The distance within which there is only one bridge over the Trent in Bassetlaw.
  • 2020: The year when Clifton Bridge was closed due to structural problems.
  • 20 months: The time for which some lanes on Clifton Bridge were closed for repair work.
  • 2022: The year when a debate over a new road crossing across the river was held in Parliament.
  • 2024: The year when the River Trent breached its banks, causing traffic problems in Flood Road bridge.
  • MAX 50: Number of years spent campaigning for new bridge by Councillor Mike Adams.

Sources:

  • Reform
  • Nottinghamshire County Council
  • The Local Democracy Reporting Service
  • Parliament
  • The East Midlands Combined County Authority
  • Veolia
  • Biffa
  • Enva