A landmark bridge in Grimsby, expected to reopen in December, will remain closed due to extensive deterioration

A £5 million restoration project on the Corporation Road Bridge, mainly concerning a landmark bridge, began in February and was scheduled for completion by December. However, during the grit-blasting phase of the restoration on this grade II-listed structure, substantial rust and corrosion were found. In other words, its condition is worse than originally anticipated and further examinations will be conducted to determine the extent of the decay.

This bridge was built in 1925, spans the River Freshney and serves as a vital route into Grimsby's town center, connecting Corporation Road to Victoria Street South. The restoration project is being managed by Spencer Group, a company with a track record in handling significant bridge projects in the UK, e.g. the Humber Bridge and the £10 million repair work on the Forth Road Bridge.

A spokesperson from North East Lincolnshire Council stated that as the restoration work has progressed, the contractor has found additional damage and deterioration, with the beams beneath the bridge found to be in a more deteriorated condition than initially expected. Only after the existing paint was removed, was Spencer Group able to fully comprehend the damage to the first span. Therefore, further assessments are necessary in order to evaluate the condition of the other five spans.

The spokesperson also mentioned that the reopening date will remain uncertain until investigations are completed. Councillor Stewart Swinburn, responsible for environment and transport, acknowledged the potential inconvenience caused by the extension of the project's timeline and the impact of the closure on residents and businesses. However, he emphasized the importance of preventing the bridge from further deterioration. Councillor Swinburn stressed that the restoration work is vital to ensure that the bridge will be used the next years.