Changes Coming to Cross Keys Swing Bridge

Commercial drivers, as well as those receiving their HGV training in Lincolnshire or Norfolk, are likely to see some important changes coming to the Cross Keys Swing Bridge. Residents from the village of Sutton Bridge finally convinced the Lincolnshire County Council to address the issue of speeding HGVs by making a few changes to the bridge.

The county plans to spend approximately £37,000 to add a new basket handle over the bridge and change the grading of the road. A basket handle is a height restriction bar that will force drivers to slow down as they approach the bridge. There will be just enough room to get underneath if they are going slow enough.

By changing the road grading, county officials hope to further encourage drivers to slow down. A field study demonstrated that average speeds on the 30 mph road leading to and from the bridge were between 39 mph and 54 mph. The highest speeds were observed among passenger cars. The average speed for HGV’s ranges between 28 mph and 41 mph.

The residents of Sutton Bridge are hoping to benefit by seeing a real reduction in speeds among HGVs travelling through the village. The Cross Keys Swing Bridge is part of the main route leading traffic to Lincolnshire and Norfolk. Some 3,300 HGVs use the bridge every day.

A county benefits if reduced speeds also reduce road damage caused by the impact of large vehicles travelling at higher rates of speed. The county estimates it would save almost £100,000 annually on road repairs. It remains to be seen whether this will come to fruition or not.

Training with the HGV Training Centre

The HGV Training Centre offers HGV training in Lincolnshire and Norfolk, as well as more than 45 facilities around the country. When you train with us, you will learn effective strategies for maintaining appropriate speeds under a variety of conditions. You will also learn how to best care for the roads you travel on.

Whether you are looking to train for a career driving HGVs, PCVs, horseboxes, heavy construction equipment, or forklifts, we can provide you with all the necessary training. We employ an intense and fast approach designed to help you retain all of the information you need to pass your tests. What’s more, we will guide you through every step of the process.

To begin your training you will first need to pass a standard medical exam and apply for a provisional entitlement. You can do that on your own, or get in touch with us if you need help. From there you take your theory test and, as long as you pass, begin your practical skills training. Upon completion of that training, we will send one of our trainers with you to take the practical skills test.

The HGV Training Centre is one of the most well known training companies in the UK. We have a proven track record of success in preparing drivers for careers in the haulage industry.