Contractors are now working to move the 293m long bridge into position.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways, said: “I’m very glad to announce that we’ve officially started pushing the new Grantham Southern Relief Road bridge into place. This is a huge milestone for the project, since it means we’re now approximately two years away from fully opening the new road.
“Ninety percent of the relief road is already built, and this bridge is the missing link. Getting it into place over the rail line is a very complex operation that requires absolute precision, which is why detailed plans are essential.
When complete, the 3.5km relief road will improve journey times and provide Grantham with a reduction in congestion, disruption and delays. It will also create a safer, more attractive and accessible town centre; enable economic growth by providing access to development land; and help reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution within the town.
Cllr East added: “To safely and efficiently get the new bridge where it needs to be, the team is moving it into place from the west side, over the river and rail line and under the power lines. They’re doing this by pushing it, while it is sat on temporary supports, onto its new, permanent supports.
“This won’t be a quick job by any means – in fact, the bridge is only moving a few millimetres a minute. This is because, as it’s being pushed, the team needs to ensure it stays on the correct trajectory and is perfectly aligned.
“Once it’s crossed the rail line, the rest of the bridge will be built on the east side of site. This will include lifting new steel beams for the bridge into place before concreting the decks, installing the safety barriers, laying road surfacing and carrying out embankment works on the western lead-up to the bridge.”
Below are some facts and figures about the new relief road bridge:
- The bridge weighs approximately 2,500 tonnes
- It spans 293 meters in length and is 16 meters wide
- Briton Fabricators in Hucknall manufactured the bridge
- The new deck is a composite steel and reinforced concrete deck
- The steel beams and piers are made of weathering steel to reduce long-term maintenance
For the latest news on the Grantham Southern Relief Road, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/gsrr.