Northern Ireland construction giant GRAHAM wins £20m contract in England

The work elements include the design and construction of a new vehicular/cycle/pedestrian bridge over the railway and a pedestrian bridge enhancing safety and connectivity between the site and the existing communities.

The extensive experience of GRAHAM – headquartered in Hillsborough – in delivering similar projects, particularly in the railway sector and knowledge of working alongside Network Rail, played a significant role in its selection.

The firm's involvement in the Western Growth Corridor project will see its civil engineering team oversee the design and construction of key access routes and bridges.

In August 2022, the city council, in partnership with Lincoln MP, Karl McCartney, submitted its bid for £20 million to create a road bridge and adjacent foot bridge linking the city’s Western Growth Corridor development to Tritton Road.

The project aims to establish a major access route into the Western Growth Corridor site, enabling the delivery of up to 3,200 new homes as part of a Sustainable Urban Extension to Lincoln.

Subject to design and budget approvals, construction will commence in 2024, with the first phase of homes expected to be delivered thereafter, pending detailed planning approval.

GRAHAM contracts director Alastair Lewis said: “We’re thrilled to be appointed as the lead contractor for key elements of the Western Growth Corridor project, which highlights our expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional infrastructure projects.

“The Western Growth Corridor project is a challenging scheme involving tackling access restrictions, utilities, drainage, and traffic management, among other complexities. GRAHAM’s objective is to value engineer the access road and bridge over the railway, seeking creative design and construction solutions that deliver cost and carbon savings while ensuring the long-term success of the strategic masterplan for the site.

“Our team has demonstrated its ability to overcome the unique challenges of projects such as this through our extensive experience and innovative approach. Collaboration between GRAHAM, the City of Lincoln Council, and other stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the successful delivery of this ambitious project.”