Work has started on the major restoration of Corporation Road Bridge today, Monday 6 February.
Multi-disciplinary bridge works specialist Spencer Group is now on site in Grimsby as the scheme gets underway.
The full restoration will include key structural works, as well as improvements to the aesthetic changes to the bridge – protecting the landmark for many years to come and preserving its heritage status.
Some of the key works will include:
- Replacement of all corroded rivets
- Replacing steel deck plates
- Steelwork repairs
- Replace deteriorating carriageway panels
- Replace bridge bearings
- Remove failing paint system from entire structure and repaint
- Replace electrical system for the lifting mechanism
- Restore the Control Room
- Replacement of bridge joints
- Resurfacing carriageway and footpath
As part of its Grade 2 listed heritage status, it is important the bridge remains functioning and the mechanics are in full operation to ensure North East Lincolnshire Council is satisfying the statutory obligations. The bridge is on the ‘at risk’ register for listed structures due to its deteriorating condition. The bridge is a strategic part of the highways network to keep traffic flowing and allow pedestrian and maritime access.
A full road closure will be in place for the duration of the works, with a planned reopening before Christmas 2023.
While the works take place, the bridge will be closed to all vehicles. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians, except during short periods when the bridge will need to be fully closed to allow the contractor to test the lifting mechanisms. Cyclists will need to dismount from their bikes and walk across the bridge.
Clear signage will be placed at several points, including at Lockhill roundabout, Westgate roundabout, Victoria Street South and at the Corporation Road/Pyewipe Road junction.
A diversion route is in place while the bridge is closed to traffic. Motorists wishing to cross to the west side of the bridge (Sainsbury’s side) will be directed from Westgate roundabout, along Pyewipe Road and onto Corporation Road. Larger vehicles will be asked to straddle both lanes at the traffic signals. Those heading to the east side of the bridge will be directed to Lockhill roundabout.
Motorists, including HGV traffic, are strongly encouraged to follow the official signed diversion route to minimise disruption around the network. Other traffic management information will follow.
Traffic volumes on Alexandra Road will be monitored throughout the project and if necessary, traffic management will be considered.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “Corporation Road Bridge is a key landmark in Grimsby Town Centre and the Heritage Action Zone. These restoration works are going to safeguard this iconic landmark for many years to come and be a key contributor to the ongoing regeneration works in this area.”
Joe DiMauro, project manager for bridges at Spencer Group, added: “We’re delighted to work on a structure in the Humber region which is close to our headquarters in Hull. It means we’ll be able to utilise our local supply chain while drawing on our expertise in this sector.
“Corporation Bridge is well known to Spencer Group employees and we’ll be able to involve some of our apprentices based in the Humber region, who also played a part in the tendering process. It will be a great experience for them to work with our established bridge restoration teams, helping to develop their knowledge and skills in this highly specialised area.”
Spencer Group has carried out maintenance and repair works on some of the UK’s most iconic bridges, including the Humber Bridge, Forth, Erskine, Severn and Menai bridges.
The company is currently carrying out refurbishment works on the world’s oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic, the Union Chain Bridge, while, at the same time, also working on the Menai Suspension Bridge, the world’s second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge.
The Corporation Bridge restoration is a £5.117m scheme – funded by £2.967m from the Department for Transport, £1.83m set aside by the council and a further £320,000 from the Local Transport Fund. The Department for Transport funding is specifically ringfenced for these works.
