Hull City Council has confirmed that Drypool Bridge will be fully closed to all vehicles and pedestrians from Monday 15 September to late-November 2025, to allow the next phase of a major repair and strengthening programme to take place.

The council, working in partnership with local contractors Esh Construction and designers Mason Clark Associates, began essential works on the bridge in July. This followed inspections of the bridge last year that showed the need for serious repair work to be undertaken.

Initial activity has been carried out under a contraflow system, allowing two-way traffic to continue. This traffic management will remain in place until Sunday 14 September.

However, from Monday 15 September to late-November 2025, a full closure of the bridge is required to progress the next stage of works.

The programme has been developed following the discovery of significant deterioration to several of the structure’s load-bearing columns during a routine inspection in April 2024, and will include:

• concrete repairs of the lower reinforced supporting beams and columns to the east-fixed span
• bearing replacement on the east-fixed span of the bridge
• a new cathodic protection system to resist future corrosion to the existing beams and columns
• waterproofing of the deck to ensure the long-term resilience of the structure
• de-silting the area below the east-fixed span of the bridge, behind and around the timber fenders and support columns.

To reduce the duration of the closure, the programme has been carefully designed to allow work to take place at the same time above and below the bridge.

During the closure, additional pressure is expected on North Bridge and Myton Bridge and the council is encouraging all road users and pedestrians to plan ahead, use alternative routes into and out of the city centre, where possible, and allow extra time for their journeys.

This essential work forms part of a wider investment in Hull’s transport infrastructure, aimed at futureproofing key routes and preserving the city’s heritage.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Drypool Bridge has served Hull for generations and this repair work will make sure it continues to be safe and reliable for decades to come.

“We know the closure will cause disruption, and I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience.

“It’s important to keep our city moving, so we’ve worked hard to develop a programme that keeps disruption to a minimum. Although a full closure is needed for this next phase of works, we remain committed to keeping traffic flowing outside of the closure period through carefully planned traffic management.

“We urge everyone to work with us and be part of the solution. Please plan ahead, consider alternative travel options and bear with us while we carry out these vital improvements.

“This isn’t just about repairs – it’s about protecting the city centre economy, preserving our heritage and investing in Hull’s future.”

Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while we carry out this phase of work.

“The closure will allow us to safely access and repair key components beneath the bridge and on the bridge deck. At times, the bridge must remain raised to facilitate the repair of the timber fenders.

“We are committed to delivering these improvements efficiently and to minimising disruption wherever possible.”

Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “Drypool Bridge is a complex and historically significant structure.

“We’ve worked closely with the council and Esh Construction to develop a programme that not only addresses the structural concerns but also ensures the bridges design is preserved for future generations.

“The structure is very well known across the city, and many people have fond memories of the bridge regularly lifting when there was more river traffic, so it is important that the structure is maintained and strengthened so that future generations can appreciate the structure’s role in Hull’s history.

“It’s a privilege to help preserve such an iconic part of Hull’s infrastructure.”

Additional limited closures are expected next year, with the full programme scheduled for completion in summer 2026.

Keeping the city moving

Hull City Council has outlined a series of proactive steps that are being put in place to support residents and businesses in the city to keep moving during the upcoming closure of Drypool Bridge.

The council fully recognises that the closure will have an impact on the city’s highway network and has been planning a series of mitigation measures to help alleviate the situation while the essential works are undertaken.

These will include:

• the creation of a FREE car park on Holderness Road for over 300 vehicles, with access to 17 bus services running to the city centre, on average, every two minutes – with a discounted £2 return fare on both Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire bus services for those boarding from this temporary park & ride facility
• the use of AI technology for traffic signals at key junctions along diversionary routes, following a successful trial in the city in 2024 that saw traffic flows improve in locations where the technology was used
• a temporary extension of the city centre Bus Gate to ensure the continued reliability of services for the 42,000 people who use Hull’s buses each dayto get in and out of the city.

Councillor Ieronimo said: “Fixing Hull’s roads and infrastructure is a top priority for the council and that is why we have a plan to invest in the city’s bridges.  

“Drypool Bridge has served Hull for generations and the repair and strengthening works are vital to making sure it remains a safe, reliable route for our residents, businesses and communities for decades to come.

“Initial works by Esh Construction and Mason Clark Associates have been completed in line with the programme of works, but the next phase requires a full bridge closure.

“Working closely with our contractors and with other partners, including the city’s bus operators, we have put in place the best possible traffic management arrangements; including additional parking; more bus travel options and the use of the latest technology; to keep our city moving and to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation while these repairs are carried out.”  

In addition to these proactive measures, the council has also had a renewed focus on the issuing of permits for works on the highway network and, wherever possible, is combining its own repair and maintenance works and capital investments with existing road closures or traffic management arrangements to limit the need for future works in the same areas.

Councillor Ieronimo added: “We completely understand our residents’ frustrations when it comes to roadworks, especially in instances where one lot of works in an area are completed but are then seemingly followed by another.

“Alongside our partners in the utility sectors, we have been working more closely to reduce such instances so that we can keep traffic moving.”

Stay up to date

For more information about the programme and the mitigation measures in place, visit Drypool Bridge | Programmes – Bridges | Hull

For the latest traffic updates follow @hullccnews on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. Alternatively, visit one.network

For weekly traffic and travel updates, visit Hull weekly roadworks update – Hull CC News