Councillors are set to meet next week to discuss the Corporation Bridge Grimsby reopening, as the 100-year-old landmark remains closed to motorists more than two years after work began.
The Corporation Bridge, a key route into Grimsby town centre linking Corporation Road and Victoria Street South, was shut in February 2023 for essential repairs to its corroded steel parts and lifting mechanism. However, the project has faced ongoing delays, with the reopening date pushed back several times.
Originally, the bridge was expected to reopen before Christmas 2023, but further issues discovered later that year forced an extension of the schedule. Another target date, set for summer 2025, was missed after North East Lincolnshire Council terminated its contract with the Spencer Group in May due to “unacceptable delays” and rising costs.
The authority has since appointed new contractor Taziker, a specialist in bridge restoration and infrastructure engineering, to take over the complex repair work. The company has now presented two possible approaches for the Corporation Bridge Grimsby reopening: keeping the bridge closed until the refurbishment is fully completed, or reopening it sooner with one lane in operation under temporary traffic lights.
While the second option could allow vehicles to cross the River Freshney earlier, council documents warn it would delay the overall project by an additional four to seven months. If the bridge remains closed, repair work could restart as early as 3 November. The final decision will rest with the council, though the upcoming meeting of the Transport, Infrastructure and Strategic Housing Scrutiny Panel will make recommendations on which route to take.
The bridge, known for its distinctive rolling lift design, has long been a vital artery for Grimsby, connecting communities and supporting the town’s economy. The ongoing closure has caused frustration among residents and businesses who rely on it for daily travel and trade.
Taziker’s appointment marks a turning point for the Corporation Bridge Grimsby reopening. With over 50 years of experience in the infrastructure industry, the company has built a strong reputation as one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary engineering specialists. Taziker provides in-house expertise across several fields, including civil engineering, structural fabrication, access and scaffolding, surface preparation, and protective coatings.
The firm’s track record includes major national projects such as the Northumberland Steel Footbridge in Bebside, a 50-metre cycle and pedestrian bridge installed as part of the Northumberland Line initiative. Working alongside Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Taziker helped redesign the bridge from a fully welded structure to a bolted configuration, allowing for faster transport and installation without the need for a Special Movement Order. The successful installation, completed within a 32-hour road closure, now provides essential access to the new Blyth Bebside railway station.
Similarly, Taziker delivered the Cold Hesledon Footbridge in County Durham for BAM Nuttall, completing the 70-metre structure ahead of schedule. The project supported crucial upgrades to the A19 junction, easing traffic flow and boosting local development.
These examples highlight the engineering precision and reliability that Taziker brings to its projects—qualities that North East Lincolnshire Council hopes will ensure the safe and timely Corporation Bridge Grimsby reopening.
William Jones, Sub Agent at BAM Nuttall Ltd, praised the company’s approach: “Taziker have brought with them a wealth of experience and energy to all elements of the bridge project. We look forward to continuing this relationship in the future.”
As councillors prepare to meet on Wednesday, local residents will be eager for clarity on when the bridge that has served Grimsby for a century will once again be open to traffic. The upcoming discussion could mark the beginning of the final chapter in the long-awaited Corporation Bridge Grimsby reopening.
