Council hopes bridge work will restart this summer

Corporation Bridge in Grimsby has been closed for more than two years

North East Lincolnshire Council said it hopes work will resume later this summer on Corporation Bridge in Grimsby.

Restoration work stopped on the Grade II listed bridge in May when the council terminated the contract due to "unacceptable delays".

The bridge has been closed since February 2023 and was initially due to reopen again by Christmas the same year, but more work was needed and so the reopening was delayed.

The local authority said it was working urgently to get a new contractor.

The council held an online meeting on Monday where members of the public were invited to put questions to cabinet members.

Questions were asked about Corporation Bridge and when it was likely to open again.

Portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure and transport, Councillor Stewart Swinburn, said: "It is a complex situation and we have a responsibility to maintain and bring it to its original working order."

He told the meeting: "We're on our way to announce the next step to appoint a new contractor to finish the last section of the bridge and once in place we can give a clearer picture."

In May, contractor Spencer Group said it was "baffled" by the council's decision to end its contract.

The authority said it wanted to appoint another contractor "to ensure the bridge is open in the quickest and most efficient way possible".

Swinburn told the online meeting: "We understand the frustration this has caused but we are working urgently to get a new contractor."

He apologised for the disruption and added: "We are targeting late summer for the work to start again and it is the will of the local authority that we get on with this job and it's returned to its full working capacity."

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