Lincolnshire County Council wants permission from its own planning team to carry out an upgrade to the Bridge Road landmark, which spans the River Nene at the gateway to the county. Built in the 1890s by Great Northern Railway, the Crosskeys bridge provided a vital crossing point for trains and motorists – and today is part of the A17 taking road traffic between Lincolnshire and Norfolk. The hydraulic fluid will also be changed from a mineral oil to synthetic hydraulic fluid which is more environmentally friendly. The application reads: “The existing mechanical and electrical systems were installed in the late 1980’s and consist of mainly hydraulic (oil) powered components. The proposals are to make the bridge more reliable, easier to maintain for future years, extending the life of the bridge.”