Hull A63 footbridge secures £7m funding

The Highways Agency said the road was one of the busiest stretches in East Yorkshire

Multimillion-pound funding for a footbridge over the A63 in Hull has been announced by the Highways Agency.

The bridge, which will connect the Princes Quay centre with the waterfront, is expected to be finished in time for the port's 2017 City of Culture celebrations.

The Highways Agency said the cost of the structure would be capped at £11.5m with Hull Council providing £4m.

The bridge is expected to be completed by Easter 2017.

'Welcome news'

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "We have pledged funding for the Princes Quay footbridge, with the total cost being capped at £11.5m.

"This cost is subject to Hull City Council's £4m funding contribution from the Local Growth Fund via the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)."

Councillor Martin Mancey, who is responsible for for transport infrastructure in the city, said: "Formal confirmation of the funding for this bridge is really welcome news.

"I am delighted that, working with (Hull West Labour MP) Alan Johnson, and with the support of the LEP, we have been able to persuade the government of the importance of this project to the city and of its completion by Easter 2017."

Last August Balfour Beatty was announced as the contractor for the £75m improvement scheme to the A63 in East Yorkshire.

The firm will start the Castle Street scheme in 2016/17.

The 0.9-mile (1.5km) scheme in Hull city centre aims to improve journey times with a new underpass and two new pedestrian bridges over the road.

The plan is to lower the road into a cutting at Mytongate Junction so Ferensway and Commercial Road can pass over it.

The route is an important link between the M62, Humber Bridge and the city's port, the Highways Agency said.