Work on Grimsby’s Corporation Bridge will be delayed
It's after contractors found it’s in a much worse condition than first thought
Last updated 10th Oct 2023
Grimsby's Corporation Bridge will be reopened "as soon as possible" after the council admitted repair work will take longer than expected.
Essential maintenance should be finishing in December but will now go on beyond that.
No new completion date has been finalised yet though.
Works started back in February.
Leader of North East Lincolnshire council Phillip Jackson says he understands the frustration of drivers:
"Local traffic has adapted fairly well to the fact the bridge has been closed and has found other routes,
"But we are concerned and we need to get this bridge reopened as soon as possible. It is a key part of the transport infrastructure in the town centre - the sooner we can get it reopened the better."
Paul Thorpe from contractor Equans explains why there's a problem.:
"It's been here a long time- the tides are up and down, some of the steels have deteriorated.
"Because of that environment, maybe because of movement, with the structure or the way it's been used with the volume of vehicles going over it as well. So there's a number of different reasons".
“Corporation Bridge is a rare surviving historic gem in Grimsby’s town centre, a notable heritage asset that reflects Grimsby’s status as one of the UK’s foremost port towns,” says Louise Brennan, regional director from Historic England (Midlands), who support the restoration works. “Its importance is reflected in its Grade II listed status – and as the bridge approaches its centenary, we wholly support the Council’s decision to invest in its repair to ensure that it will serve Grimsby for another 100 years and beyond.”