The bridge launch on the Grantham Southern Relief Road has been completed, with work now moving towards the construction of an embankment requiring more than 100,000 tonnes of material.
Lincolnshire County Council has confirmed the latest progress on the major road scheme, which is intended to improve connections between the A1 and A52 and reduce traffic congestion through Grantham.
The completion of the bridge launch during October marks a significant stage in the project, following months of work to move the 293-metre-long structure across the East Coast Main Line and River Witham.
The bridge weighs approximately 2,500 tonnes and was manufactured by Briton Fabricators in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
According to the council’s latest construction update, October also saw the continued removal of launching equipment from the western side of the site and further assembly of an access gantry.
On the eastern side, contractors continued installing temporary works at Pier 5 and removed sections of the temporary launch nose used to support the bridge during its movement into position.
Work scheduled for November includes completing the access gantry and continuing to dismantle and remove the remaining launch equipment.
Contractors will also begin bulk earthworks to construct the western embankment, with more than 100,000 tonnes of fill material expected to be required.
On the eastern side of the site, work will involve removing temporary structures at Pier 5 and continuing the removal of temporary strengthening plates from Span 5.
Fill material will also be moved from the allotment area to the western embankment as construction progresses.
Motorists are being advised that lane restrictions remain in place around the B1174 roundabout to allow construction of a haul route and access to the site.
The county council has not announced any additional traffic restrictions or closures for November.
The 3.5km relief road is being delivered in three phases, with the first two sections already completed and open to traffic.
The final section includes the bridge crossing the railway and River Witham, which has been one of the most technically challenging elements of the project.
The scheme has experienced delays, including those associated with a bridge design issue identified in 2025.
The council’s current programme indicates that the entire relief road is expected to be completed in 2028, although the timetable remains subject to change.
Once completed, the road is intended to divert through-traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, away from central Grantham, improve journey times and provide access to areas earmarked for future development.
The latest update follows the final major bridge push in September, when contractors began moving the structure into its permanent position across the railway.
Sources: Lincolnshire County Council’s Grantham Southern Relief Road project information and its published construction updates.
