Hull: 'Hazardous' bridge to be demolished, city council says

Dismantling the bridge is predicted to cost £134,738

A Hull footbridge that has asbestos in its deck and sharp edges is set to be demolished.

Hull City Council said the footbridge, which connects Walliker Street and Selby Street, near Anlaby Road, is in "a very poor condition".

It has been closed since October 2020 and dismantling by lighter demolition excavators will cost of £134,738.

The cost was originally set to be £154,236 by using a crane before an alternative option was found.

Those living near the bridge will be informed of any works by letter closer to the time, with the dismantling set to happen overnight to reduce disruption.

'High-profile crimes'

A council report stated a number of serious, high-profile crimes had taken place at the footbridge, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In 2016, 46-year-old David Rylands died after he was stabbed on the footbridge at around 20:00 GMT on 3 February.

Scaffold towers put up on either side of the bridge have also been vandalised, as well as corrosion of the steel on the bridge.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, transport portfolio holder for Hull City Council, said he supported the works and welcomed savings by using the alternative rather than dismantling it with a crane.

A council decision record on the works to remove it stated: "The footbridge is second-hand and was never designed for its current location, being extended to allow it to fit, and is now in a very poor condition.

"The report in October 2020 identified that the bridge is currently in a hazardous state and that it should be closed to the public."