Saturday lunchtime is the plan for the reinstatement of the iconic bridge as work crews pull off a brilliantly rapid turnaround to finish the improvement a full week early.
Critical waterproofing works needed to keep the bridge in use and secure it for years to come have now been completed. The original seven week set of works have been ended in six.
The extremely careful work with the structure’s iconic, historic stonework on the paths and edging is all finished, and the original stone is back in the exact position it was removed from too.
That means the bridgeworks team are now into the final three phases of the scheme with today (Friday) seeing the final Tarmac layers put down for the road before the lining crew arrive to mark up the crossing later this evening.
Tomorrow morning (Saturday) will see traffic light engineers back on site to switch across the local lights back to their usual programme and, once that it complete, the entire bridge will be back in action for traffic and pedestrians alike.
Karen Cassar, assistant director for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council said: “This is great news that we can get the bridge back into action a full week early due to the hard work of the teams onsite.
“If the last three parts of the plan go as expected, and we don’t get hit with any unforeseen elements that need addressing, then by tomorrow lunchtime Stamford’s landmark bridge will be back to full strength.
“I’ve been speaking to the project team and they assure me that if any issues do arise then it may mean that the bridge opens a little later, but we are still on course for Saturday to be the day the works are finished.
“This early end is the culmination of a lot of specialists who have worked extremely hard to not only make up time after rain and other issues came into play, but have kept up the pace to get this completed for the people of Stamford, and those who come to visit the town. I am very grateful to the bridge team for their efforts.
“And I am also very grateful indeed to everyone who has been affected by these vital works to keep the bridge useable for years to come. The patience and goodwill shown to the teams working on the bridge has been very much appreciated.
“Also, I would like to pass on my gratitude to the locals and businesses in the area who have been very understanding and supportive of these works. It has not been easy for any of us, but now these critical works are completed early, this section of the town will go back to acting as a main conduit across the river.”