The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council has shared his “absolute frustration and anger over the on-going situation with Corporation Road Bridge.”
Council Leader Councillor Philip Jackson and Portfolio Holder for Highways Councillor Stewart Swinburn said they fully sympathise with the businesses and individuals who have been “inconvenienced” by the continued closure, adding that they “understand public sentiment – as they feel it themselves.”
Their comments follow confirmation that Corporation Bridge will remain shut until at least December 2026, with the possibility of delays extending into September 2027 depending on whether a partial reopening is agreed. The cost of the project has now risen beyond £7.3 million, though exact figures have yet to be confirmed.
Councillors Jackson and Swinburn said that despite the setbacks, they remain committed to restoring the bridge to full working order.
They noted that years of neglect and a lack of maintenance planning had left the structure in poor condition, but stressed that steps are now being taken to ensure such a situation does not happen again. The councillors explained that the project returned fully to council control in May, following the end of the Equans partnership, and said that since then, officers have been instructed to “act decisively” to complete the restoration and reopen the historic structure.
Councillor Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Once physical work started on the bridge, it became apparent that corrosion and structural degradation was much worse than initial surveys had indicated. My colleagues and I are frustrated with the delays and the lack of progress. It’s not good enough. We have been very patient, but the level of delay and the cost of the works is no longer acceptable. I’m pleased that we have now been able to make tangible progress in the last few months, and we’ll see workers back on site, and things moving forward.”
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for highways, added: “We know that this work has caused some disruptions for businesses and residents, and whilst much of this has been unavoidable, we have asked officers to share more regular communications about the works with local residents and businesses going forward.”
The council added that there are signs of defects in the work completed to date and said it is “committed to pursuing the appropriate legal recourse” if necessary.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.