Drypool Bridge to reopen in major boost for businesses and Christmas shoppers

BACK OPEN TOMORROW: Drypool Bridge

EXCLUSIVE

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Drypool Bridge will reopen to two-way traffic and pedestrians tomorrow night in a major boost for Christmas shoppers, local businesses and the travelling public, The Hull Story can reveal.

The landmark river crossing will reopen from 8pm on Thursday, November 27, following the successful completion of the first phase of essential repair works.

Traffic management with narrow lanes will be in operation when the bridge reopens for safety reasons while work continues on site.

A road closure on Alfred Gelder Street between Lowgate and Clarence Street that was also in place while the bridge was closed will end at the same time. This was to facilitate a major installation for the city’s forthcoming District Heating network, and those works have also been completed.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “Thanks to the excellent collaboration between the council and its contractors, we have been able to complete this first phase of works and re-open the bridge on time – providing a timely boost for the local economy as we head into the busy Christmas and New Year period.”

He added: “Drypool Bridge provides a vital crossing between east and west Hull, and I’m really pleased that we can reopen it for a period of time while these essential repairs continue.

“Reopening the bridge, even under traffic management, will help keep Hull moving and make journeys easier for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Thank you for your ongoing patience as we work to fix and future-proof this important piece of Hull’s road infrastructure and heritage.”

WORK FINISHED: This part of Alfred Gelder Street will also reopen

The bridge had been closed since September 15 for essential repairs costing an estimated £8m which were identified after a routine inspection in April 2024.

The council, in partnership with local contractors Esh Construction and designers Mason Clark Associates, is continuing work to fix the bridge following inspections last year.

An additional full closure will be necessary in 2026 to complete the work, with a date yet to be announced.

This essential work forms part of a wider investment in Hull’s transport infrastructure, aimed at future-proofing key routes and preserving the city’s heritage.

Michael Sherrard, construction manager at Esh Construction, said: “We have carefully planned the programme of works to minimise disruption wherever possible, ensuring the bridge is closed only when necessary to complete repairs safely and efficiently.

“Reopening Drypool Bridge under traffic management is a significant milestone that will help keep Hull moving while we continue to tackle the complexities of this important project.”

Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “Drypool Bridge presents a unique set of engineering challenges, with much of the work taking place in confined spaces beneath the deck and around key structural elements. 

“Our team continues to work meticulously with Esh to deliver high-quality repairs that will restore the bridge’s integrity and extend its service life for many years to come.”

A temporary bus gate introduced on Queen’s Dock Avenue to support bus services during the bridge closure will be suspended 8pm on Thursday with the associated signage removed. The road markings will remain, with suspension signage put in place.

The AI traffic signals, introduced to alleviate congestion, will be returned to their original configuration on Friday morning, and the temporary park and ride on Holderness Road introduced as a further mitigation measure will be closed.