At last, is there a glimmer of light at the end of . . . Grimsby's problematical Corporation Road Bridge?

Best foot forward - councillors venture forth on their visit to the bridge 

SIGNS are that work is now nearing completion on repairs to Grimsby's problem-stricken Corporation Road Bridge.

However, it may still not be until summer next year that it will be open to traffic just like (can anyone remember?) in yesteryear.

Contractors Spencer are now sufficiently satisfied with progress to have invited a cross-party delegation of North East Lincolnshire councillors to go on a fact-finding walkabout.

During the visit, which took place earlier this month, councillors heard from engineers about some of the "sizeable repairs and complex work" that have had to be undertaken to restore the bridge to safe working condition.

According to the council, "much of the work has now been completed, with only a small number of repairs outstanding as well as the redesign of the lifting span".

Hopes are that the bridge  will be ready next year - 100 years since it was built  to help carry increasing traffic between East and West Marsh and the steadily expanding dock industries. The official opening was by The Prince of Wales in 1928.

The councillors' party comprised Philip Jackson and Stewart Swinburn (both Conservative), Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal Democrat), Cllr Sheldon Mill (Labour) and Cllr Steve Holland (Independent). 

Cllr Jackson, NELC's leader  said it  was worthwhile  for politicians to have caught up with progress.

"It was a valuable visit," he commented. "It was  important for colleagues to have had the opportunity both to inspect the work that’s going on and to talk to the engineers in order to understand the scale of some of the challenges posed by structures like this.

"Corporation Bridge is not  just an important part of our road network - it is also a valuable historic asset and a part of the fabric of our history."

What about bridge-users  who have become increasingly frustrated after having been told in February 2022, when the project started,  completion would be within 12 months.

Responded Cllr Swinburn: "I know that residents have been anxious for the bridge to reopen soon.

"I share in that feeling, but we need to make sure that the work is done properly and that, when it does reopen, the bridge is left in a good state that can be maintained in the future."

A further update on the progress of the repair project  is expected in the New Year. 

Councillors receive a briefing from a Spencer Group engineer

That screw has been tightened beautifully! Cllr Jackson admires the craftsmanship

What's taken you so long? Cllr Aisthorpe (right) fires in a penetrating question

A good day was had by all - the councillors pose for a photo before heading for their homes