The £355 million project will be completed in Spring
We had the chance to drive through the new A63 underpass ahead of the completion of the six-year city centre project. The National Highways scheme, which started in early 2020, is set to be completed this Spring.
The project sees part of the A63 Castle Street taken underground, allowing for Ferensway and Commercial Road to meet at street level. The project was originally meant to be completed almost a year ago, but in late 2024 National Highways altered the completion date from Spring 2025 to Spring 2026.
With the vast majority of the work having been completed, traffic will soon be allowed onto the new underpass. Traffic will be moved onto the new road whilst the final bits of work on the overhead bridge are completed.
Initially the speed limit on the underpass will be 30mph whilst work on the wider project continues. Once the scheme is completed, the road will return to 40mph.
The senior project manager, Fran Oliver told Hull Live: “The work is going really well, as you can see we are very near completion. You can even see the road markings.” Ms Oliver confirmed the work is “definitely on track for opening in Spring”.
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When asked what benefits the new road will bring, Ms Oliver said the underpass will “reduce severance across the city centre,” and will make journey times more reliable. This will also be key for HGVs travelling to and from the Port of Hull, she explained.
Once the work is completed, traffic will once again be able to turn right onto the A63 from Ferensway. The new bridge will also include a footpath, boosting pedestrian access to Kingston Retail Park.
The A63 Castle Street project is one of a number of major multi-year projects in the city that are set to be completed in 2026. This year is also set to be key for the Hull Maritime project as the Spurn Lightship and Maritime Museum are set to open. Queen’s Gardens is also set to welcome people once again.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more, visit the Public Notices Portal.