Hull City Council says this will be the last planned full closure of the bridge during the repair project
Drypool Bridge will fully close for eight weeks from mid-to-late May, Hull City Council has announced. The crossing will be shut to all vehicles and pedestrians as part of the major repair and strengthening programme.
The bridge, which spans the River Hull, reopened at the end of November having been closed since September as part of the scheme. The council, in partnership with local contractors Esh Construction and designers Mason Clark Associates, have been working to fix the bridge since routine inspections in 2024 revealed the need for essential repairs.
The authority says that, subject to any unforeseen issues, this will be the last planned full closure of the bridge. After this, works will continue until November 2026 under traffic management with the crossing open to traffic in both directions. Until May 2026, the bridge remains open to pedestrians and traffic, with lanes narrowed, though it will close for one-night this weekend for “emergency carriageway repairs”.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Drypool Bridge has served Hull for generations and these repairs will make sure it continues to be safe and reliable for decades to come.
“The council said when this work began that there would be the need for a further closure, so I am pleased we are able to give residents plenty of notice about when this will take place. We understand that another full closure will cause disruption, which is why we’ve worked hard to keep the bridge open whenever possible.
“By only closing it when absolutely necessary, and ensuring it’s open for the festive season, we’re doing everything we can to reduce the impact. This isn’t just about repairs – it’s about protecting the city centre economy, preserving our heritage and investing in Hull’s future.”
Paul Allen, Senior Project Manager at Esh Construction, said: “During the next closure, we will carry out essential works on the bridge’s west span and the east approach. This includes cathodic protection, further concrete repairs, waterproofing, and resurfacing.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public as we continue to deliver this important repair and strengthening programme and protect this vital route in Hull city centre.”
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Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “During the previous closure, we made significant progress on the visible structural elements of Drypool Bridge, addressing key repairs and strengthening works.
“However, some of the most critical areas requiring attention are only accessible when the bridge is fully closed to road traffic. The upcoming closure will allow Esh to safely undertake these essential works in locations that are otherwise hidden from view, ensuring the long-term safety and resilience of this important crossing for Hull.”