Hull City Council has announced that Drypool Bridge will be fully closed to all traffic and pedestrians from Monday 15 September until late November 2025 to allow the next phase of a major repair and strengthening programme.

The council, in partnership with local contractors Esh Construction and designers Mason Clark Associates, began essential works on the bridge in July, following inspections last year that revealed the need for substantial repairs. Initial works have been carried out under a contraflow system, which will remain in place until Sunday 14 September.

The full closure is required to progress the next stage of the programme, which comes after a routine inspection in April 2024 identified significant deterioration to several load-bearing columns. The repair work will include:

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• Concrete repairs to the lower reinforced beams and columns of the east-fixed span

• Replacement of bearings on the east-fixed span

• Installation of a new cathodic protection system to prevent future corrosion

• Waterproofing of the bridge deck to enhance long-term resilience

• De-silting beneath the east-fixed span, including the area around timber fenders and support columns

To minimise the duration of the closure, the programme has been designed so that work can take place simultaneously above and below the bridge.

The council warns that the closure is likely to put extra pressure on North Bridge and Myton Bridge and urges drivers and pedestrians to plan ahead, use alternative routes where possible, and allow extra time for journeys into and out of the city centre.

The Drypool Bridge works form part of a wider investment in Hull's transport infrastructure, aimed at safeguarding key routes and preserving the city’s heritage for the future.