Various A46-A36 links, avoiding Cleveland Bridge in various ways, have been discussed since the 70s to my knowledge. Probably before that, but I wasn't around to hear of them.
An update -
http://grahamellis.uk/blog169.html - now that the Cleveland Bridge is to be closed to all road traffic except the emergency services for
at least 3 months.
Some shocking news - it could be longer ... - from
Somerset LiveDetailed inspections of Cleveland Bridge in Bath show the damage to its concrete trusses is worst than previously thought.
Concerns have also been raised that further damage may be revealed as the project progresses which could cause delays to its completion.
Am I a cynic to suggest that there may be no great push to minimise any delays
And in other news ... from
Construction EnquirerAdministrator puts Cleveland Bridge up for sale
But that's a structural steelwork contractor and I don't think that Cleveland Bridge (company) have been working on Cleveland Bridge (in Bath).