Hull City Council has outlined a series of proactive steps that are being put in place to support residents and businesses in the city to keep moving during the upcoming closure of Drypool Bridge.
The council, working with local contractors Esh Construction and designers Mason Clark Associates, began repair and strengthening works on the bridge in July, with the initial works taking place under a contraflow system.
However, from Monday 15 September, a full closure of the bridge will be required to allow for the next phase of works, which will include:
- concrete repairs of the lower reinforced supporting beams and columns to the east-fixed span
- bearing replacement on the east-fixed span of the bridge
- a new cathodic protection system to resist future corrosion to the existing beams and columns
- waterproofing of the deck to ensure the long-term resilience of the structure
- de-silting the area below the east-fixed span of the bridge, behind and around the timber fenders and support columns.
The council fully recognises that the closure will have an impact on the city’s highway network and has been planning a series of mitigation measures to help alleviate the situation while the essential works are undertaken.
These will include:
- the creation of a FREE car park on Holderness Road for over 300 vehicles, with access to 17 bus services running to the city centre, on average, every two minutes – with a discounted £2 return fare on both Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire bus services for those boarding from this temporary park & ride facility
- the use of AI technology for traffic signals at key junctions along diversionary routes, following a successful trial in the city in 2024 that saw traffic flows improve in locations where the technology was used
- a temporary extension of the city centre Bus Gate to ensure the continued reliability of services for the 42,000 people who use Hull’s buses each dayto get in and out of the city.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Fixing Hull’s roads and infrastructure is a top priority for the council and that is why we have a plan to invest in the city’s bridges.
“Drypool Bridge has served Hull for generations and the repair and strengthening works are vital to making sure it remains a safe, reliable route for our residents, businesses and communities for decades to come.
“Initial works by Esh Construction and Mason Clark Associates have been completed in line with the programme of works, but the next phase requires a full bridge closure.
“Working closely with our contractors and with other partners, including the city’s bus operators, we have put in place the best possible traffic management arrangements; including additional parking; more bus travel options and the use of the latest technology; to keep our city moving and to minimise disruption as much as possible.
“We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation while these repairs are carried out.”
In addition to these proactive measures, the council has also had a renewed focus on the issuing of permits for works on the highway network and, wherever possible, is combining its own repair and maintenance works and capital investments with existing road closures or traffic management arrangements to limit the need for future works in the same areas.
Councillor Ieronimo added: “We completely understand our residents’ frustrations when it comes to roadworks, especially in instances where one lot of works in an area are completed but are then seemingly followed by another.
“Alongside our partners in the utility sectors, we have been working more closely to reduce such instances so that we can keep traffic moving.”
To find out more about the mitigation measures in place, visit Drypool Bridge | Programmes – Bridges | Hull
For the latest traffic updates follow @hullccnews on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. Alternatively, visit one.network
For weekly traffic and travel updates, visit Hull weekly roadworks update – Hull CC News
