North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, ENGIE, are forging ahead with a £4.967m scheme to refurbish Corporation Road Bridge.
The scheme is funded by £2.967m from the Department for Transport, £1.83m set aside by the council and a further £170,000 from the Local Transport Fund.
Engineers at ENGIE are continuing detailed design planning for the scheme and working closely with Historic England and conservation officers to ensure the Grade 2 listed structure can be refurbished in accordance with their guidelines.
To support this ongoing work, a week of investigative works will be starting from Monday 14 December.
To allow this work to be carried out, two footpath closures will be put in place during the works. The date and time of the footpath closures will be identified by the contractor and dependent on progress during the week. Access across the bridge will not be affected with the footway on the other side remaining open for pedestrians. No other traffic management will be required during the week.
A number of specialist contractors have been appointed to carry out the works, which includes:
- Testing of the bridge’s brick and steel
- Ultrasonic thickness testing
- Condition surveys
- Bridge scanning from a boat in the dock
- Paint testing to understand previous colours used on the bridge
- A dive inspection to gather data on the condition below the water level
The data gathered will allow engineers to carry out the final detailed design planning and prepare to submit for the relevant planning approvals in the early part of 2021.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “Corporation Road Bridge is a strategic part of the highway network keeping traffic flowing and allowing pedestrian and maritime access.
“With the funding secured, we’re taking great steps to bring the bridge, as close as possible, back to its original design while carrying out major structural works to ensure the bridge can continue to serve the residents of North East Lincolnshire for many years to come.
“Our partner, with the support of heritage experts, are in the final stages of the design and we will be spending the coming months gaining the relevant planning and heritage approvals, as well as engaging with the affected businesses and residents to carry out the works with minimal disruption to residents and nearby businesses.”
Engineers are planning to start the work in summer 2021 following completion of the Garth Lane public realm improvements.
As previously reported, works will take 12 months to complete. Due to the extensive work required, the majority of the works will take place with a closure of the bridge in place.
The council and ENGIE will be carrying out a second resident and business engagement survey, once the detailed design work is complete and a full traffic management proposal is in place. This will provide a further opportunity for people to comment on the scheme and raise any specific concerns about access and the design, following the first round of engagement earlier this year.
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