Esh Construction and its specialist subcontractors have reached a significant milestone in a £1 million refurbishment project with the successful removal of the 70-year-old Weel Bridge. The 20-tonne aluminium bascule bridge, which has spanned the River Hull since 1953, was lifted from its bearings by a 250-tonne crane in a complex engineering operation.

The bridge, which serves as a vital link between Beverley and the village of Weel, has been transported to Sheffield for specialist repairs. East Riding of Yorkshire Council appointed Esh’s civil engineering division to lead the project, supported by specialist firms EKSPAN and Retroflo. The comprehensive works are designed to extend the operational lifespan of the structure.

Repairs are being conducted off-site to mitigate environmental risks, as the bridge is situated within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Performing grit blasting, structural metal repairs, and coating applications over tidal waters was deemed high risk and difficult to control.

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, commented: "The successful removal of Weel Bridge represents the first major operation of a highly complex and carefully coordinated refurbishment programme. Lifting and transporting a 70‑year‑old aluminium bascule bridge requires detailed planning and close collaboration, and the operation reflects the expertise of everyone involved. Removing an entire bridge for refurbishment is an unusual operation and highlighted a unique engineering challenge for the team as we seek to preserve this historic structure."

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Surveys conducted by Mason Clark Associates previously identified corrosion in the aluminium frame, alongside deteriorating pedestrian walkways and mechanical and electrical components. While routine maintenance has occurred in the past, this intervention represents a more thorough restoration.

The road connecting Beverley and Weel will remain closed until the bridge returns in late July. During this period, Esh will carry out additional civil engineering works, including straightening the western approach to improve visibility. Pedestrian facilities will also be modernised, replacing narrow footways with a widened, shared route for cyclists and pedestrians.

Further upgrades include the refurbishment of the bridge control house, where flood resilience measures—such as waterproof finishes, flood doors, and the relocation of electrical equipment—will be installed. Once the bridge is craned back into position, a period of testing and calibration will take place before it fully reopens to the public.

Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Lifting out the bridge was an incredibly difficult and specialist operation, but I'm pleased everything went to plan and it proved to be a spectacular sight. Work can now begin on our essential refurbishment of this 70-year-old structure to make it stronger, safer and ready for the future for the many drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use it."

Esh Construction brings significant experience to the project, having previously restored the Bubwith and Stamford bridges for the council. The firm is also currently engaged in refurbishing the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and the Drypool Bridge in Hull. Weel Bridge is scheduled to reopen later this summer.