Continuing frustration for motorists as contractors find yet more problems with Corporation Bridge

 

'Corrosion Bridge' - will its road ever re-open?

IT looks like traffic snarl-ups will continue in Grimsby after it emerged that Corporation Bridge will not be re-opening in December as scheduled.

That means a vital road in the town will remain closed until who knows when.

Why the hold-up?

Specialist repairers Spencer Group say the deterioration of the bridge has been much worse than at first thought.

Today, North East Lincolnshire Council put out a statement which reads: "As works have progressed, further damage and deterioration has been unveiled by the contractor, with the beams underneath found to be in a much worse, corroded condition than initially projected.

"Spencer Group, Equans and North East Lincolnshire Council  understand the frustration this news may have on people but urge the public to remember the significance of these major works to safeguard this vital structure in the town for many years to come."

It continues: Only when the results of further  detailed assessments have been returned and the condition established will Spencer Group, Equans and NELC be able to determine the extension in the programme required for the works, including a revised reopening date of the bridge to traffic."

It is not known how much the further works will cost, nor how much of the final bill - thought to be in excess of £5-million - will have to be paid by council tax payers.

The Grimsby News says: This delay reflects poorly on the parties involved - especially Spencer Group. The failure to complete the project by the target date will cause huge aggravation for many residents, tradespeople and visitors. And the patronising statement from the council will not ease their anger. What is the cost overrun? Will the work ever be completed? Will the road ever re-open? If so, when? Urgent questions need to be asked by MPs Lia Nici and Martin Vickers - and the replies made public.