The new 100-tonne bridge is an integral part of the haul road being built as part of the North Hykeham Relief Road project.
Sam Edwards, head of highways infrastructure, said: “Although it will only be in use while the relief road is being built, the temporary bridge over the River Witham is a very important part of the project.
“It’s an integral part of the 8km haul road we’re building between the A46 and A15, which will see over 150,000 construction vehicle movements removed from local roads while we build NHRR. In fact, this bridge alone will see over 100,000 construction vehicles ride over top of it once in use.”
The bridge will weigh a total of 100 tonnes and stretch fifty metres over the River Witham. It will take roughly four months to build the bridge, including building the connecting haul roads; building the associated embankments; and installing the necessary piles and concrete abutments.
Building the temporary River Witham bridge will involve installing sheet piling to form the bridge’s abutment on the river’s embankment. This will be carried out using a Movax piling machine, which carries the job out much quieter than other ways of piling.
Once the piles are in place, the middle will be excavated and concrete bases will be constructed. The bridge will then be built on one side of the river and ‘launched’ into place.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways, added: “The primary purpose of the North Hykeham Relief Road haul road is to keep construction traffic off the local road network wherever possible, reducing the impact on residents, businesses and day-to-day journeys while providing a dedicated, safe and efficient route for works vehicles. And this bridge will help facilitate all of that.
“By removing as many construction vehicles off of local roads, the haul road will help reduce congestion, noise and disruption for residents throughout the works, while also improving safety and journey reliability for other road users.”
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
The North Hykeham Relief Road will bring a wide range of benefits once complete, including easing congestion in and around North Hykeham and Lincoln, improving journey reliability, and helping support new housing and employment opportunities. It will also open up land for 4,500 homes and 7 hectares of employment space, along with contributing £800 million in economic benefits for the county over the next 60 years.
The project is being funded using £110 million from the Department for Transport's 'Large Local Majors' programme. The remaining budget will be funded by Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions, which the council will forward fund.
For more information about the North Hykeham Relief Road, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nhrr.