Corporation Road Bridge major restoration
Latest updates
“We are proud to be entrusted with the refurbishment of such an iconic bridge, a landmark that holds deep significance for the local and wider communities.”
The words of Taziker‘s Managing Director, Neil Harrison, as his company continues the work to restore and protect Grimsby’s historic and Grade II Listed Corporation Road Bridge.
The experienced bridge restoration company took over as main contractor in December of last year with a pledge to ensure the structure would be restored to its former glory. When completed, it will be a fully-operational bascule lifting bridge – one of only 25 such structures left in the UK, with a famous cousin being London’s Tower Bridge!
So, what has been happening in recent weeks, and what is to come?
About the bridge and its restoration
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 the council is satisfying the statutory obligations.
Major restoration work to Corporation Road Bridge started in 2022.
The full refurbishment includes 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.
Once the project started, engineers discovered far more deterioration than initial work had uncovered. This meant that an assessment had to be carried out across the entire structure to consider what further work was required to secure the structure and restore it to full working condition.
A full road closure to vehicles has been in place since the start of the works. Diversion routes are clearly signed. The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, except during short periods when work is likely to obstruct access to the pavements. In this instance, notice will be given in advance.
Costs for the extended works required on this project have not yet been published due to commercial sensitivity.
If you have any queries about the scheme, please email projectmanagementteam@nelincs.gov.uk
Opened by Edward VIII in 1928, Corporation Road Bridge is Grimsby’s link to an uncrowned king. 
Corporation Road Bridge is a Grade II Listed structure of great historical importance.
FAQs
Corporation Bridge is a Grade II listed structure, which means that it’s of ‘notable architectural or historical interest or importance’ and is protected by law against undesirable changes.
Because of this, North East Lincolnshire Council has a statutory duty to make sure the bridge remains functioning, and the mechanics are in full operation, including being able to lift.
Without this work taking place, the road that the bridge is part of could be closed in future years as Corporation Road Bridge would be declared unsafe. This would cause more traffic disruption for longer.
When the works are complete the heritage structure will be preserved for generations.
19th July 1928: Corporation Bridge opening
Crowds watching the visit of the Prince of Wales to Grimsby, July 19th 1928 to open the new Corporation Bridge. The two trawlers are the Dargle (nearest the camera) and the Seriema.
Visit of the Prince of Wales to Grimsby, July 19th 1928. Presentation of the scissors to cut the ribbon to open the new Corporation Bridge.
19th July 1928: Prince Edward, Prince of Wales unveiling the commemorative plaque on Corporation Bridge during the opening ceremony. View here is looking towards Freeport Wharf and Victoria Street.
19th July 1928: Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, and the Mayor of Grimsby, Councillor K Osmond in a Daimler Double Six touring car. They are passing over the newly opened Corporation Bridge after its official opening and are on their way to the Town Hall for lunch.
19th July 1928: Prince Edward, Prince of Wales inspecting the Guard of Honour of minesweepers and veterans of the First World War during the official opening ceremony of Corporation Bridge.
19th July 1928: Edward, Prince of Wales climbing up to the control cabin of Corporation Bridge during the opening ceremony.
The bridge is completely closed to vehicles, and the road closures and diversion routes will continue to be signposted, including at Lockhill roundabout, Westgate roundabout, Victoria Street South and at the Corporation Road/Pyewipe Road junction.
We’re asking residents, where possible, to avoid busy times or look for alternative routes.
The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, except during short periods when work needs to be carried out in those areas. When a full closure is planned to take place, North East Lincolnshire Council’s social media and website will provide updates so you can plan your journey.
The full refurbishment includes key structural works and improvements to the appearance of the bridge. Some of the works include:
- Replacement of all corroded rivets
- Replacing steel deck plates
- Steelwork repairs
- Replacing deteriorating carriageway panels
- Removing failing paint system from entire structure and repaint
- Replacing electrical system for the lifting mechanism
- Restoring the Control Room
- Replacement of bridge joints
- Resurfacing carriageway and footpath
Funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) has been specifically ringfenced for these works, alongside Council capital spend and the Local Transport Fund. The Department for Transport recognise the importance of Corporation Road Bridge for both the heritage and transport routes for North East Lincolnshire and their funding has been specifically ringfenced for these works. Funding has also been received from Historic England.
To work out what work was needed, initial visual inspections were carried out by other contractors on the bridge in 2018 before the major restoration works began.
However, only when full access was available, and the paintwork was stripped to the bare steel were we able to fully understand the severity of the bridge’s condition. The environment is rough below the bridge and areas have been exposed to the elements over the years, which means the beams underneath are in a much worse condition than originally projected.
Because of this, the project has had to be extended so engineers can carry out the required work to make sure Corporation Road Bridge will continue to stand for another 100 years and beyond.
The anticipated completion date of the works is this winter.
