This is what happened the last time the town bridge was replaced in 1847. Let’s hope that the current problem will be resolved more easily.
“Considerable misunderstanding has taken place with regards to the construction of the road to be used during the pulling down and rebuilding of Stamford bridge. At first, it was arranged that a temporary bridge should be erected across the Welland from Water-street to Mr. Harper’s wharf; but Mr. Harper, as the lessee of the river, claimed compensation, and failing to get what he considered an adequate sum, he put a stop to the works. Under the direction of the Marquis of Exeter or his agents, Mr. Woolston, the contractor, then commenced making a road in the meadows, from the George bridge to the Castle-dyke, but was again very soon stopped, owing to interference on the part of the town authorities, in consequence of no arrangements having been made with reference to the maintenance of the wide bridges to be erected in place of the present foot-bridges leading into the meadows. For a week, nothing was done; Mr. Woolston in the meantime being at great expense in keeping the men whom he has engaged for the work. On Friday last, activity in the matter was again shown; and it was stated that the road would be made from a corner of the George close, with a bridge across the Welland near to (but independent of) the parish bridge called the George bridge, and also another bridge by the site of the Lammas (corporate) bridge; but on Monday last the workmen were again at a stand-still; the alleged reason being that the last plan had been commenced without Lord Exeter’s sanction having been obtained. It is stated that the directors of the Syston and Peterboro’ railway will interfere, if the new high bridge be not speedily commenced. – Yesterday workmen were engaged in laying down soil for a road across the meadows.”
The Stamford Mercury, 4th June, 1847.