Work starts on 'key' bridge for coastal path

3 days ago

Paul JohnsonEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

News image — The King Charles III Coast Path will be more than 2,700 miles long when it is fully completed

BBC A wooden sign which reads "King Charles III England Coast Path" stands on a grassed area with sand and blue sky visible in the background. — The King Charles III Coast Path will be more than 2,700 miles long when it is fully completed

Work to build a "key link" on the King Charles III England Coast Path will begin later.

A new footbridge is needed to cross the Steeping River near Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire.

The structure, which is due to be completed by mid-summer, will allow walkers to cross between the coastal paths south of Skegness and north of Boston.

Chris Miller, head of environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The plan is to build the bridge off-site and then install it as two large pieces , which will mean that the amount of time we will need to have heavy machinery on site will be kept to a minimum."

At a length of about 2,700-miles (4,345km), the King Charles III England Coast Path is due to be the longest managed coastal path in the world when completed.

But a section of the trail between Sutton Bridge and Skegness has yet to be opened due to an unsafe bridge over the Steeping River.

The first phase of work on the new bridge is due to be completed by Friday in order to avoid disruption during bird-nesting season.

It involves clearing a route by lowering hedges and cutting back vegetation to allow access for long and wide vehicles.

'Terrific' bridge

A second phase, to upgrade tracks and other areas for machinery and the delivery of the bridge, will begin in the spring and is expected to take about six weeks.

Miller added: "We will do everything possible to maintain access for those visiting the area.

"The end result will be a terrific new footbridge that will be a benefit for many years to come."

The bridge is being funded by Natural England and will be installed by the council.

In September 2025, councillors were told the bridge had a design life of 120 years for the main structure and about 50 years for the deck. It was expected to cost about £1.8m.

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