Hull’s Drypool Bridge has reopened to traffic following a 10-and-a-half-week full closure, marking the completion of the first phase of a major repair and strengthening programme led by Esh Construction. Working alongside Hull City Council and engineering consultant Mason Clark Associates, Esh began the scheme in July.
During the closure, the Scherzer rolling bascule bridge was kept in the raised position to allow teams to carry out critical structural repairs. The crossing, a key 1960s river link between east and west Hull, reopened under traffic management with narrowed lanes on 27 November after works were completed on schedule.
The bridge was earmarked for urgent remedial work after a routine inspection revealed significant deterioration in several load-bearing columns. The project forms part of a wider investment in Hull’s transport infrastructure aimed at extending the bridge’s life and preserving an important element of the city’s transport heritage.
Initial works focused on the southern third of the east fixed span of the bridge deck. Crews removed surfacing and nosing, undertook repairs, and installed more than 1,500 steel dowels to connect the existing deck to a new concrete pavement, before placing over 16m³ of concrete and returning the structure to controlled traffic.
Beneath the deck, in spaces as low as 1.4m, teams removed defective concrete and corroded reinforcement and installed jacks and stanchions to provide temporary load support. Several concrete columns were cut out using wire saws and reconstructed, while general concrete repairs were carried out across the deck. Hydrodemolition was deployed on transverse beams to remove deteriorated concrete ahead of later repair stages.
At lower level, silt removal has been completed to facilitate detailed inspections and enable cathodic protection works designed to reduce ongoing corrosion of embedded steel. Council officers and contractors have confirmed that a second phase of works will require another full closure in 2026, although dates have yet to be announced.
Hull City Council has positioned the scheme as essential to safeguarding a critical road link and avoiding more disruptive failures in future. Esh Construction construction manager Michael Sherrard said the programme has been carefully planned to minimise disruption, with closures limited to periods when they are necessary for safe and efficient delivery.
“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,” Sherrard said. Hull City Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure Mark Ieronimo said the on-time reopening provides a timely boost for the local economy ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year period.
Mason Clark Associates director of bridges Andy Thompson highlighted the challenges of working in confined spaces beneath the deck and around key structural elements. He said the design team is working closely with Esh to deliver high-quality repairs that will restore the bridge’s integrity and extend its service life for many years.
