The historic Chapman Street crossing has been closed to motorists since March 2020
The next step has been taken in the project to restore a Hull bridge that has been closed to traffic for more than five years due to “risk of collapse”. Hull City Council has appointed local engineering consultancy Mason Clark Associates to start the next phase of restoration at Sculcoates Bridge.
The company has previously been involved in inspections and technical input with the authority saying it will bring “extensive knowledge of the structure to this project”. No specific estimate has been revealed for the bridge’s expected reopening date but the council says the appointment is a “key step” in its five-year infrastructure plan, which aims to reopen the oldest surviving crossing over the River Hull to traffic.
Known locally as Chapman Street Bridge, the Grade-II listed structure originally opened in 1874 but has been closed to motorists since March 2020 after an inspection found its condition had deteriorated to the point it was no longer safe to carry traffic. The crossing remains open to pedestrians and cyclists and is “regularly monitored for safety”.
The first of three phases of refurbishment work has now been completed, which involved feasibility, concept design and early engagement. The council is now looking to start the second phase with Mason Clark Associates set to focus on gaining technical approval, offering contractual support, and developing the technical scope for a future design and build contract.
The company will also begin formal engagement with key stakeholders including the Marine Management Organisation, Environment Agency, Historic England, and the authority’s planning department, to help start the technical design phase. Phase two, design and full engagement, and phase three, building works to refurbish and bring the bridge back into use, will follow once this preliminary work is complete.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “Our transport infrastructure is vital, and we are committed to bringing Chapman Street Bridge back into use to help ease traffic across the city.
“Residents want this, we’ve listened, and we’re working to make it happen. It’s part of our wider commitment to fixing the city’s infrastructure.”
Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “As a local specialist bridge engineering consultant with extensive knowledge of the structure, we’re excited to be working on this historic Grade II-listed bridge and proud to support its return to safe public use.”
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