A start date has now been confirmed for the major restoration works set to take place on Corporation Road Bridge.
Work will start on Tuesday 19 April and will take up to 18 months to complete.
Officers are in the final stages of appointing a specialist contractor who will carry out the works, following further questions from highways officers which are now being processed.
A diversion route will be put in place while the bridge is closed to traffic. Motorists wishing to cross to the west side of the bridge (Sainsbury’s side) will be directed from Westgate roundabout, down Pyewipe Road and onto Corporation Road. Larger vehicles will be asked to straddle both lanes at the traffic signals. Those heading to the east side of the bridge will be directed to Lockhill roundabout.
Clear signage will be placed at several points, including at Lockhill roundabout, Westgate roundabout, Victoria Street South and at the Corporation Road/Pyewipe Road junction.
Motorists, including HGV traffic, are strongly encouraged to follow the official signed diversion route to minimise disruption around the network.
Following feedback in a recent survey, it has also been decided to put temporary traffic lights in place at the Alexandra Road and Frederick Ward Way junction to ease congestion and keep traffic flowing. These signals will be removed between June and August to assist with traffic flow during additional, unrelated works in the area. Highway officials will continue to monitor the situation and make changes where necessary.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “Corporation Road Bridge is a key landmark in Grimsby Town Centre and the Heritage Action Zone. These refurbishment works are going to safeguard this iconic landmark for many years to come and be a key contributor to the ongoing regeneration works in this area.
“We are committed to bringing the bridge back to its former glory and will continue to engage with Historic England and local heritage and historical experts.”
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.
The Corporation Bridge refurbishment is a £4.967m scheme – 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. The Department of Transport funding is specifically ringfenced for these works.
Engineers are working closely with Historic England and others to ensure the bridge will be fit for purpose and a benefit to North East Lincolnshire’s residents.
The council is working closely with Historic England to ensure the work conforms to its Listed Bridge requirements.
Keep up to date with roadworks across the area at www.nelincs.gov.uk/roadworks
Article and image from NELC.
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