River Witham bridge beams to be lifted into place later this month

Steel beams
Steel beams

The weathering steel beams will be raised into place over the River Witham starting at the end of September.

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said:

"Getting these beams hoisted into place will be a major milestone for the scheme since the new River Witham viaduct is the largest, most complicated bridge we're building as part of the bypass scheme. 

"Over the past month, we've had 54 beam sections delivered to site, each one between 19m and 38m long. And this month, we'll be bolting these together into pairs which will be hoisted into place with a 1200-tonne crane.

"These 27 sections will then be connected up to create a total of six 225m long beams which will support the bridge deck over the River Witham."

As part of the beam lifts, the following cycle path and river closures will be in place:

  • Sustrans cycle route – the route, between Witham Park House in Lincoln and Ferry Lane in Washingborough, will be fully closed from 6am on Monday 30 September until 6am on Monday 7 October.
  • The diversion route will be via Washingborough Road and Canwick Road.
  • River Witham – the river will be closed for periods of up to two hours during bridge beam lifts taking place over four days, Saturday 19 to Tuesday 22 October.
  • Temporary manned moorings will be provided for boats up and down stream during the closures.

The 7.5km Lincoln Eastern Bypass project is part-funded by a £50m Central Government capital grant and will improve Lincoln’s infrastructure, encourage growth, minimise traffic congestion and enhance the inter-city environment.

For the latest news on the Lincoln Eastern Bypass, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/leb.

Published: 24th September 2019