Gracious Lane Bridge for many years has been a location where tragically people have attempted to take their lives. As soon as I was elected, I lobbied for safety improvements to take place, and whilst I appreciate the works took a long time and were frustrating for residents, I know that everyone wanted whatever could be done to ensure the bridge was as safe as possible.
Since the devastating news last month that someone was able to get onto the lip of the bridge and jump (thankfully they survived , but not without serious injury) I have been working with the authorities and National Highways over the need for further safety improvements.
This has included a meeting being held on site shortly after the incident with the police and council leader (and local ward member) Julia Thornton, and National Highways attending a meeting in Parliament. At this meeting my expectations of the need for further safety works to take place was made very clear.
Following on from those meetings I have this week received an update from National Highways. They report that they now have initial sketches for a meshing system at the ends of the bridge, which would also extend part the way along the main barrier. They have met with designers and contractors, and the designers are now working on the feasibility and detail of the solution. Once a final workable practical design is in place, the solution can be fabricated and then installed.
I will continue to push for a solution to be installed as soon as possible (although realistically this may be some months I’d imagine – as bespoke manufacturing will be required) and keep you all updated.
