Corporation bridge expected to open December 2026
The bridge was initially set to be opened in 2023
Last updated 30th Oct 2025
A new expected reopening date for Corporation Road Bridge, Grimsby, has been announced. The 100-year-old bridge has been closed to motorists since February 2023.
Repairs were originally due to be completed by Christmas 2023. However, works revealed the Grade II-listed structure was in a worse state than previously thought.
The bridge looks now set to reopen in December 2026. This is after councillors discussed two options for its reopening on Wednesday, October 29.
At a special transport, infrastructure and strategic housing scrutiny panel, councillors were run through reopening dates and costs linked to two options to reopen the bridge. One involved its continued closure until all works were completed, the other opening up one lane and using temporary traffic lights to reopen it sooner.
Councillors recommended unanimously that the full continued closure option is chosen by Cabinet on October 30. Should Cabinet do so, the bridge’s expected reopening will be December 2026.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s leader, Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative – Waltham Ward) and the portfolio holder for highways, Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Conservative – Immingham), have issued a joint statement. They said: “We have taken charge, we are clear on accountability, and we have taken the right steps to ensure a situation like this doesn’t happen again.
“This situation is unacceptable, and we share the views of many local people. However we cannot turn back the clock and what is vital now is that we move on, we get this right and we return what is a highly important historical asset back to its former glory.”
The council announced in late August it had hired bridge restoration specialists Taziker to complete remaining repairs. Paul Evans, the council’s assistant director for infrastructure, housing, highways and transport, gave a presentation on the project to the scrutiny panel.
With the bridge’s continued full closure, overall refurbishment would be completed sooner. But its reopening to traffic would take longer, to December 2026.
To open up one lane with temporary traffic lights would lead to reopening by June 2026. It would prolong overall work, though, by four to seven months to April to September 2027. This is because of reduced bridge access with the live traffic, and fewer staff working due to this.
The costs for neither of the two options was disclosed during open session and only discussed behind closed doors, due to commercial sensitivities. However, Mr Evans stated the one lane reopening option would cost “£800,000 more”.
Councillors raised several concerns with the one lane reopening option. This included the wider traffic impact with potential tailbacks.
“I’m quite certain that option two is a dead duck,” said Cllr Nick Pettigrew (Conservative – Waltham), of the one lane reopening scenario. He was not happy with an over year long wait for the bridge’s reopening either, and felt more should be done to explore reopening sooner. “Another year isn’t an option for us to consider along with no other option.”
Mr Evans said the dates for the options built in “a bit of leeway” for challenges, such as tidal conditions. “I believe those dates are achievable,” he said, when asked in the meeting.
Councillor Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “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.”