By Removal of Garth Lane footbridge draws near
Final preparations are being made for the replacement of a footbridge in Grimsby town centre as part of a £3.5 million transformation of the area.
The Garth Lane area and its waterfront are being totally revitalised – with the centrepiece a much wider five-metre pedestrian walkway over the Freshney.
Once in place, it will provide an appealing and safer passage between Riverhead Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, with lots of passing space.
The design is going through its final review stages with a planning application expected at the end of this month when it will be revealed.
Surrounding the bridge will be new paving, lighting, tiered seating down to the water, wildflower areas and artistic designs, which include carved ‘fish-benches’ (pictured above).
These have been created by wood sculptor Mick Burns from the branches of a 40-year-old Willow tree that stood by the river. The tree is being replaced, along with another Willow on the Riverhead side of the bank. Other tree planting includes five Dutch Elm-resistant Elms and four Stone Pines.
The existing bridge is due to be taken out in early September, with the exact date to be determined once final Environment Agency checks are made – and the nesting swallows under the bridge have flown.
This passage over the river and the immediate area will then remain closed for six months, with a walking/cycling diversion clearly marked, taking people across the river and Frederick Ward Way via Alexandra Road. The work has been timed to ensure it does not clash with extensive renovation to Corporation Bridge.
The closure will allow the abutments, which connect the deck of the bridge safely to the ground, to be constructed along with new steel retention work, paving and slipways down to the river. Lighting columns will also be installed.
The first phase of work, on the Riverhead side of Frederick Ward Way, is due to be complete by the end of August.
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