The major repair and strengthening scheme at Hull's Drypool Bridge has reached a key milestone, with the crossing reopened to vehicles and pedestrians as works progress into the next phase.

Esh Construction is delivering the project in partnership with Hull City Council and Mason Clark Associates. The programme began in July and required a full closure to all users for 10.5 weeks while the bridge was held in the raised position to facilitate essential repairs. The bridge reopened on 27 November under traffic management with lane narrowing in place.

Esh said the programme has been carefully planned to reduce disruption and limit closures to what is strictly necessary. "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."

Drypool Bridge is a Scherzer rolling bascule structure dating from the early 1960s. Phase one targeted the southern third of the east fixed span, where surfacing and nosing were removed, repairs undertaken, and more than 1,500 steel dowels installed and strength-tested. The dowels tie the existing deck to a new concrete pavement, with over 16m3 poured ahead of reopening.

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Beneath the deck — in areas as low as 1.4m — crews removed defective concrete and rebar, and installed jacks and stanchions to temporarily support the bridge's load. With support in place, several concrete columns were wire-saw cut and reconstructed, alongside general concrete repairs across the deck.

Hydrodemolition has been carried out on transverse beams, which will be repaired later in the programme.

At lower level, silt has been cleared to enable inspections and subsequent cathodic protection works below the bridge.

The repair programme is necessary to safeguard the bridge's safety and longevity after routine inspections found significant deterioration in several load-bearing columns. The works form part of wider investment in Hull's transport infrastructure to futureproof key routes and preserve the city's heritage.

Councillor 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."

Esh Construction and Mason Clark Associates began an early contractor involvement phase in June 2024, enabling detailed investigations of the bridge's condition and development of the design and construction programme.

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."

A further full closure will be required in 2026 to complete the remaining works.