Improvement work taking place on vandalised bridge

Action is being take to improve safety on a bridge with signs warning that people shouldn’t use it at night. 

The footbridge connecting Oxford Street and Tentercroft Street in Lincoln city centre has been unlit since its lights were vandalised several weeks ago.

People told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they feel unsafe using it after dark, when the stairs near the railway station are completely unlit. 

The current lighting, which is “not fit for purpose” and had been repeatedly vandalised, will be completely removed.

A new streetlight will instead be installed on the Oxford Street end to illuminate the most hazardous parts of the bridge.

The bridge is owned by Network Rail, but the lighting is the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council.

The new streetlight is set to go up on Saturday, January 25. 

Labour Councillor Debbie Armiger, who represents the area on the City of Lincoln Council, posted on social media: “​I understand that this may not be the ideal solution, but it is a necessary, proactive step to ensure public safety given the dangerous nature of the old, vandalised electrical system. 

“We await the installation of the new streetlight to determine the overall improvement to illumination.”

There are currently signs at both ends of the bridge warning pedestrians that lighting isn’t working, and they should consider alternate routes at night.

Resident Bill Moffat recently said: “The lighting is very poor – the fact that there’s a sign warning you to take an alternative route tells you everything you need to know.

“Older people and anyone with children would be reluctant to come this way after dark.”

An alternative route is available through the High Street, although pedestrians may be delayed by the railway barriers.

Another Lincoln resident said the bridge was “a daily hazard by the complete absence of illumination”.