The final major bridge operation on the Grantham Southern Relief Road has begun, with contractors moving a 293-metre-long bridge into its permanent position across the East Coast Main Line and River Witham.
The third and final bridge push is being carried out over seven weekends due to the operation taking place above the East Coast Main Line. This phased approach has been chosen for the safety of both the workforce and the rail line.
The bridge weighs 2,500 tonnes and will be moved extremely slowly, advancing only a few millimetres each minute to ensure it remains perfectly aligned as it crosses both the river and the railway line before being lowered onto its permanent bearings.
The Relief Road Project
The 3.5km Grantham Southern Relief Road will improve journey times, reduce congestion and delays across the town once complete. The scheme will also unlock land for future development, improve access around Grantham and help create a safer environment by reducing traffic through the town centre.
Fewer vehicles travelling through central Grantham will contribute to lower noise levels and reduced vehicle emissions.
What Comes Next
Once the bridge is fully in position, contractors will focus on completing the structure itself. This includes installing remaining steelwork, constructing the bridge deck, fitting safety barriers, laying the road surface and completing the embankments that will connect the bridge to the new relief road.
The road is scheduled to open in 2028.
The East Coast Main Line will be closed from 12:30am to 7am over seven Sundays to allow the final bridge push to take place. Contingency dates have been booked in case any of the planned closures are affected by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
