Hull City Council has announced the next phase of investigation work on Scale Lane footbridge will start later this month (January).
Following inspections carried out in August 2024, it was discovered that the structures unique swing mechanism needs repairing.
To develop a comprehensive repair scheme, as part of the council’s five-year infrastructure maintenance programme, Mason Clark Associates were appointed to undertake detailed investigations on the structure in February 2025.
However, a second phase of investigations are now needed to progress the programme of works. These investigations will take place from Monday 19 January for three weeks.
During this period, there will be times when the footbridge is closed to pedestrians and cyclists with a short, signed diversion over the Millenium footbridge. However, the council aims to keep closures to a minimum within the three-week period.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “We understand how important Scale Lane footbridge is to our residents and businesses and that is why its repair is vital.
“As with all the city’s bridges, and especially the moving bridges, Scale Lane footbridge is a unique, and complex structure, with a complex engineering process. That’s why this second phase of investigations are essential, to ensure the repair programme is robust and delivers a long-term solution.
“We’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their patience, understanding and continued cooperation as we work to futureproof this essential crossing point for generations to come.”
Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “Scale Lane footbridge is a uniquely complex structure, and addressing the issues with the swing mechanism requires careful consideration and precision engineering.
“Working with our specialist subcontractor Ekspan, these investigations will work towards providing the detailed information needed to deliver a safe and sustainable repair programme”
The council will be engaging closely with local businesses, including the Premier Inn, and the Deep, as well as signposting the public to use alternative routes, to help maintain trade during the closures.
Updates on the finalised repair programme, including timeframes for delivery, will be announced once confirmed.
Linking Scale Lane with Tower Street, the footbridge is a key crossing from east to west, and forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail cycle link to the Ferry Terminal.
With its unique design, it is the only moving bridge in the world where people can stay on it as it swings open and has won many prestigious national and international awards.
For more information, visit Scale Lane Footbridge | Programmes – Bridges | Hull