Grimsby Corporation Bridge refurbishment to start in January
The £5million scheme will see parts of the aging Grade II listed structure replaced, repainted and sandblasted.
A £5m refurbishment of Corporation Bridge in Grimsby is set to begin in January.
The work will be carried out by the council and utility company Engie over 12 months - and will see parts of the Grade II listed structure replaced, repainted and sandblasted.
The bridge’s condition has deteriorated since its last refurbishment in 1980.
The proposed list of work includes sand blasting all steel components and repairing them where they are corroded, as well as replacing any defective rivets.
The bridge parapet will also be repaired and repainted, while masonry while be treated where needed.
Work will also take place inside the control room to replace the ceiling and wall panels.
A hanging scaffold platform will be used to access the bottom of the bridge.
Funds for the iconic Grimsby landmark’s refurbishment have come from Department of Transport, North East Lincolnshire Council and the Local Transport Fund.
Contractor Alan Wood & Partners has requested an Environmental Impact Assessment so that the works can begin on schedule in January.
The bridge failed to lift during inspections twice last month after reportedly becoming stuck on debris and being affected by heat expansion.
It lifted just a few inches in the second attempt.
However, engineers have said that there are no mechanical issues with the bridge, and that another lift is likely to be attempted in the winter.
When the work commences in 2022, steps will be taken to ensure debris from the work doesn’t enter the River Freshney.
Without the maintenance work, the bridge may have needed weight restrictions put in place or to be closed completely.
The bridge was built in 1925, replacing the former swing bridge that was built in 1872.