Final stages of bridge works set to proceed as historic structure is fully restored

North East Lincolnshire Council has taken direct action to progress the final works on full restoration of Grimsby’s historic Corporation Road Bridge.

The authority has today announced that it is seeking a new contractor to finish the final stages of the refurbishment, which includes the lifting mechanism, terminating its contract with Spencer Group.

As principal contractor, Spencer Group began work on the scheme in 2023 since which there have been significant delays with a number of issues cited. The council now believes that, in order to ensure the bridge is open in the quickest and most efficient way possible, it is time to go out to the market again for the remainder of the work.

As it takes this action, the authority has assured people that Grimsby’s unique Grade II listed structure will re-open in full working order, saving an important part of the town’s heritage – a move that has been welcomed by local and national historians.

“We have said from day one that Corporation Road Bridge is of significant historical importance to our town and its history, and it will not be lost. We will not be swayed in our commitment to preserving and saving this Grade II structure, which will form one of the centrepieces of a transformed Grimsby Town Centre,” said the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Cllr Stewart Swinburn.

Much of the bridge has recently been unveiled after more than a year of being wrapped in a protective sheeting as work progressed. That work first started in February 2023 and until this point Spencer Group has carried those repairs – all required to save the bridge and maintain its safe use as a public highway in the future.

Cllr Swinburn, added: “This project was started two years ago and whilst we accept that the level of rust and deterioration was not anticipated, and led initially to more surveys being required, we are now in a position where we believe the extent of the delays are unacceptable. This means we have decided to seek a new contractor.

“We are now absolutely determined to move forward and bring a new specialist engineering firm on board to work with us on completing the lifting span, bringing to a conclusion the works to this fantastic historical structure.”