LEADING Councillors from across North East Lincolnshire have visited Corporation Bridge to assess the progress of work to renovate the structure.
The work, which started in February 2022 and was initially expected to be completed within a year, has been extended to Summer next year following significant levels of deterioration being discovered on the structure.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, and portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, were accompanied on the site by representatives of the various political groups that make up North East Lincolnshire Council: Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrat), Cllr Sheldon Mill (Labour) and Cllr Steve Holland (Independent).
During the visit, which took place earlier this month, Councillors heard from lead engineers about some of the sizeable repairs and complex work that has had to be undertaken to restore the bridge to its former glory.
Much of the work has now been completed, with only a small number of repairs outstanding as well as the redesign of the lifting span.
Next year will see the 100-year anniversary of the bridge being designed by Alfred C Gardner to help carry increasing traffic between East and West Marsh and the steadily expanding dock industries. The bridge was opened in 1928 by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Councillor Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said that the visit was important for politicians to see behind the scenes at the progress.
“I think it has been a valuable visit. It’s important that local Councillors have the opportunity to see the work that’s going and talk to the engineers to understand the scale of some of the challenges that structures like this pose.
“Corporation Bridge isn’t just an important part of our road network. It’s also a valuable historic asset and a part of the fabric of our history, so I’m keen for us all to work together to get this done.”
Speaking after the visit, Councillor Stewart Swinburn said:
“It has been good to get on site with fellow Councillors to see the work that has taken place and hear first hand from the engineers about what the challenges have been and how they’ve overcome these.
“I know that residents are anxious for the bridge to reopen quickly, and I share in that feeling, but we need to make sure that the work is done properly and that when it does reopen, the bridge is left in a good state that can be maintained in the future.”
A further update on the progress of the bridge works is expected in the New Year.
To find out more about the work taking place to Corporation Road Bridge, visit https://investnel.co.uk/corporation-bridge.
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