March 2, 2020 11.10 am This story is over 48 months old

‘Extremely disruptive’ Pelham Bridge repairs to cost £770,000

It’s going to cause significant disruption
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Essential repair works to Pelham Bridge in Lincoln, which will be “extremely disruptive” for motorists, are set to cost taxpayers £770,000.

Lincolnshire County Council is expected to approve plans for waterproofing work to the 60-year-old bridge at a Highways and Transport committee next week.

The repairs have been held back while the Lincoln Eastern Bypass project is completed, which council officials say will help to ease some of the disruption caused by the work.

As previously reported, the Pelham Bridge scheme would start in January 2021 and last for four months.

In a report before councillors next week, council officers said the repairs are expected to cause high disruption for drivers.

Works to Pelham Bridge have been held back until the Lincoln Eastern Bypass is complete. Pictured is the roundabout on Lincoln Road, Branston. Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

It said: “In order to re-waterproof, it is necessary to plane off the existing carriageway and footway surfacing, and to remove any existing waterproofing membrane, then to resurface.

“This operation will be extremely disruptive to traffic, but it will be possible to keep one running lane open in each direction.”

The local authority estimates that the repair works to the bridge will cost £700,000.

However, further design and site supervision fees are expected to bring the total bill for the scheme to £770,000.

The project will be paid for from the county council’s capital budget, funded by the Department for Transport’s highways asset protection grant.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

As part of the plan, the footpath on the bridge will be closed for part of the works.

Pedestrians will be diverted to the High Street to cross the train tracks at the level crossing.

The bridge, which was originally opened by the Queen in 1958, will have its expansion joints replaced, have a new course of water-proofing installed, and be resurfaced.

A new barrier will also be installed between the footpath and the road on the bridge to keep pedestrians safe.

Karen Cassar, assistant director for highways, said: “There’s no doubt that Pelham Bridge is one of the busiest routes in Lincoln, and we appreciate that closing even just one lane will have a significant impact on traffic to and from the city centre.

“However, this work is essential to make sure that water and salt can’t get into the joints of the bridge and weaken the structure. The bridge hasn’t been re-waterproofed since it was built over 60 years ago.

“By the time work starts, drivers will be able to use the Lincoln Eastern Bypass, which will provide more options and should reduce some of the traffic having to cross Pelham Bridge.”

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