Plan by Lancashire Council has been called a Bridge Too Far

Matt Patrick, a local campaigner, and resident believes that the removal of the bridge on North Road bridge that leads to Netherbeck over the A601 towards Borwick.

Lancashire County Council has proposed a plan to refurbish the three bridges in the area, while replacing the fourth with a junction that could allow direct access to Carnforth and potentially open up the green belt land for future developers.

The plan was submitted to the department of transport last year, amounting to £9.2m.

As well as make the green belt land more open to developers there are also concerns that it would increase traffic, something the Carnforth Council have been trying to avoid.

Mr Patrick said: “To demolish a 61-year-old bridge is a gross waste of public money. This bridge, like thousands of others was built in the 60’s over the motorway. It was designed to last at least 100 years.

“Secondly this is a creeping move towards yet more greenfield development when there are many brownfield sites available in the area which must and should be used first.

“After Lancashire County Council worked so hard to ensure this land wasn’t used before, they are now going to make it very appealing for developers in one move.

“Access like this will make it very difficult for the council to say no to developers and leave Carnforth exposed.”

Chris Wilding, Bridges & Structures Manager for Lancashire County Council, said: "We are currently developing a scheme for the A601(M), which would need substantial investment to bring it in line with current motorway standards. The proposed scheme would remove the current motorway status and ensure that the road can be adequately maintained to modern standards in the future.

"Higher North Road Bridge currently requires extensive and costly maintenance. With the removal of the motorway status, the most cost-effective long-term maintenance solution would be to remove the bridge and provide a new junction instead.

"We're at an early stage of developing these proposals in detail. Our officers were in contact with county Councillors and the Town Council last week, via Zoom, so that we can work collaboratively to address local concerns.

"Any proposed scheme would include measures to keep vehicle numbers along North Road and Nether Beck Road at their current levels. The proposed junction would also improve access to the strategic road network for the existing community.

"Once the proposal has been developed further it will be shared with the public via Councillors and the Town Council providing a further opportunity for input into the final layout."