Hull City Council has officially appointed Esh Construction to lead a major repair and strengthening programme on Drypool Bridge, one of the city's key transport links.

The project will be delivered in partnership with engineering consultancy Mason Clark Associates.

Work will begin on the south side of the bridge, with the removal of footpath railings, surface materials, and sections of the carriageway and kerbs. A contraflow traffic system will be introduced during the first phase to help maintain access and manage congestion.

The scheme follows a year of detailed planning and assessments carried out during the early contractor involvement (ECI) phase, which began in June 2024. The investigations revealed significant deterioration in several of the bridge’s load-bearing columns, prompting the need for urgent repairs to ensure long-term safety.

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Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: "A significant amount of work has gone on behind the scenes during the early contractor involvement (ECI) phase, therefore we are pleased to reach this latest milestone. We look forward to repairing and preserving this important structure for future generations."

Drypool Bridge, a Scherzer rolling bascule bridge constructed in the early 1960s, has long been a vital crossing over the River Hull. Its restoration is part of the council’s broader investment plan to upgrade the city’s transport infrastructure.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: "Fixing Hull's roads and infrastructure is a top priority for the council. That’s why we have a real plan to invest in the city's bridges.

"Drypool Bridge has served Hull for generations, and this repair programme is vital to making sure it remains a safe, reliable route for residents.

"The start of the repair work is a huge step forward. Esh Construction and Mason Clark Associates will deliver the project to the highest standards.

"We've worked closely with our contractors to plan carefully. Together we'll do our best to keep traffic flowing and minimise disruption. We appreciate everyone's continued patience and cooperation while these vital repairs are carried out."