The first phase of works has been completed though another full closure of the bridge is planned for 2026
Drypool Bridge is set to reopen this week after being shut for more than two months. The bridge, which spans the River Hull, has been closed since September for essential repair works.
The bridge will reopen to two-way traffic and pedestrians from 8pm on Thursday (November 27) as the first phase of a series of works has been completed. Hull City Council is working in partnership with local contractors Esh Construction and designers Mason Clark Associates to fix the bridge following inspections last year, which highlighted the need for major repairs to be undertaken.
To maintain safety while work continues on-site, traffic management will be in place, with lanes narrowed. Despite traffic return to the bridge this week, the council has confirmed that another full closure of the bridge will be taking in 2026 in order to complete the repairs works. The dates and timeframe of this closure are currently not known.
Cllr Mark Ieronimo, cabinet 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. 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 futureproof this important piece of Hull’s road infrastructure and heritage.”
A road closure on Alfred Gelder Street, between Lowgate and Clarence Street, was also in place while Drypool Bridge was closed to facilitate work on the Hull District Heating Network. These works have been completed, and the road will reopen in coordination with Drypool Bridge.
The temporary Bus Gate, which was introduced on Queen’s Dock Avenue to support bus services during the recent bridge closure, will be suspended from 8pm on November 27, 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 the morning of Friday, November 28, and the temporary park and ride on Holderness Road will be closed to the public.
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.”
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