Contractors appointed to repair Drypool Bridge

Thousands of vehicles cross Drypool Bridge every day

Contractors have been appointed to repair Drypool Bridge in Hull.

The crossing over the River Hull was temporarily closed in April after a routine inspection found several of its load-bearing columns had significantly deteriorated.

Hull City Council said Esh Contruction Limited and Mason Clark Associates had been appointed to progress the design, repair and strengthening of the structure.

The authority said the bridge, which opened in 1961, retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic until the major repairs begin.

Significant damage was discovered to several concrete columns under the bridge

"Significant damage" was discovered to "six or seven" concrete columns under the bridge during the inspection in April.

The BBC was told the cost of the repairs would be more than £7m.

Initially the council said the bridge would be closed for up to 12 months, but it reopened two weeks later after a safety investigation.

Garry Taylor, the council's assistant director of major projects, culture, and place, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.

“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.

“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”

The council said the contractors would now undertake detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and prepare the schedule for repairs.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]