11 March 2015
Waveney MP Peter Aldous yesterday called for plans to be taken forward for a Third Crossing in Lowestoft to help relieve congestion and to create jobs.
In a Debate he secured in Westminster Hall, Peter said that there is now a real opportunity to build the Third Crossing and he highlighted developments that have taken place since 2010 that make the case for the bridge more compelling. These include:-
- The success of the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone.
- Funding for the Lowestoft Flood Defence Scheme.
- The forthcoming completion of the final phase of the Northern Spine Road and the improvements next year at Oulton Broad North level crossing.
- The new and upgraded A47 providing the right context within which a compelling business case for the Third Crossing can be put together.
Peter argued that the Third Crossing can help ensure that the port, the town centre and the South Beach realise their full potential in terms of bringing new jobs to the town.
The WSP report commissioned by Suffolk County Council is helpful in identifying the work which now needs to be done to prepare the robust case to present to Government in order to secure funding for the Third Crossing.
Peter said:-
“For nearly 80 years there has been a need for a Third Crossing over Lake Lothing. Previous requests to governments of all colours have fallen on deaf ears. As a result many people in Lowestoft feel let down by and alienated from those in Westminster. To get the Third Crossing built will not be easy; plenty of challenges lie ahead, but there are reasons to be optimistic.”
The Transport Minister, Robert Goodwill, responded by stating that it would be up to Norfolk and Suffolk Local Enterprise Partnership and its key partners to promote the project:-
“As part of the next steps, I urge my hon. Friend and all the interested local partners to continue to help to take the project forward; to help to build an effective and convincing evidence base; to continue to gather strong local support; and to continue to develop that support through the LEP. We want to see local areas creating the best local infrastructure solutions for growth. I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important topic, which I know has generated considerable local interest. I also thank him for highlighting the issues in Lowestoft.”
Reflecting on the debate, Peter commented:-
“A good start has been made in improving the roads to and in Lowestoft, which will help bring jobs and prosperity back to the town and which provides the basis on which we can put together a robust case for building the Third Crossing.”
