County Councillor for Carlton East, Mike Adams, has slammed the lack of progress on the proposed fourth River Trent crossing at Colwick, warning that both the Reform-led County Council and Labour’s Mayor of EMCCA are “taking their foot off the gas” on a project vital for Gedling and the wider Trent Valley.
He writes…
At last week’s Full Council meeting, Conservative Transport Spokesman Cllr Mike Introna pressed the Leader of the Council for an update on the project. In response, the Leader admitted the scheme remains part of a “long list” of possible priorities, with no confirmed timetable and no guarantee it will be taken forward.
This lack of clarity was unacceptable given the scale of the challenges facing residents.
The fourth Trent crossing isn’t just a nice idea – it’s essential. Every winter and every rush hour we see the chaos on the A612 and Gunthorpe Bridge.
This project was prioritised by Conservatives and funding was secured to push forward feasibility work. Yet we now learn it has been left in limbo, with no certainty and no commitment. That simply isn’t good enough.
Stalling risks holding back growth across Gedling and the wider region, as well as leaving Nottinghamshire exposed to major disruption.
This project would ease congestion, make roads safer, and unlock jobs and housing. The economic case is clear – every pound invested here will return many times over. But it’s also about resilience. When Clifton Bridge was closed in February 2020, Nottingham was ranked one of the most congested cities in the world for a period. That showed just how fragile our network is. We desperately need another crossing to provide resilience and capacity – because right now, it simply isn’t there.”
There is a lack of urgency from local leadership.
We cannot afford to let this drift for years while meetings are held in smoky rooms and priorities shuffled around.
Gedling deserves action, not excuses. Conservatives will keep fighting until the fourth crossing is delivered. Residents should know that we are on their side, pushing to get this done.
