As part of the council’s long-term infrastructure investment programme, investigation works on Priory Drive Footbridge will commence from this week, to support replacement proposals.
Hull-based engineering consultancy, Mason Clark Associates – who have been working on the development of the project since December 2025 – have contracted Spencer Rail Engineering (SRE), on the council’s behalf, to undertake the next stage of investigations on Priory Drive Footbridge.
The findings will feed into plans for its proposed future replacement. The structure, which spans the Hull to Scarborough railway line at the eastern end of Priory Drive, is reaching the end of its service life and is beyond practical repair.
The investigations will take place during the day (7am to 3.30pm) from Thursday 15 October to Friday 23 October, excluding the weekend, and will remain accessible to the public throughout.
While site set-up will begin at 7am, the main works and any associated noise will take place after 8am.
Undertaking these investigations now will help fast-track the project and enable the removal and replacement scheme to progress as quickly as possible once planning approval has been secured. Subject to approval, the scheme will start in 2027.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council said: “Priory Drive Footbridge is an important part of the local walking and cycling network, helping residents make everyday journeys without relying on a car.
“We know how important it is to keep this route available, and replacing the bridge is something we want to move forward as quickly as possible.
“These investigations will help us prepare for the next stage while keeping the existing bridge open and safe for people to use.”
Matt Lee, Senior Project Manager for Spencer Rail Engineering, said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside Mason Clark Associates and Hull City Council on this important local project. Our experience of working on and around operational railway infrastructure puts us in a strong position to undertake these investigations safely and efficiently.
“We recognise how important Priory Drive Footbridge is to the local community, so a key priority throughout these works will be to minimise disruption and maintain public access. The findings will play an important role in helping to shape plans for a replacement bridge.”
Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Hull City Council, Spencer Rail Engineering and Network Rail to help deliver a modern, accessible bridge at Priory Drive. After the recent submission of the planning application, these investigations represent the next key stage of the project and will provide essential information on the ground conditions to inform the design of the new footbridge.
“As the existing bridge provides such an important connection across the railway for pedestrians and cyclists, undertaking this work now will help reduce programme risk and ensure the project is ready to progress as quickly as possible once the necessary approvals are in place from all stakeholders.”
Until a replacement can be constructed, the council continues to work collaboratively with Mason Clark Associates and Network Rail to inspect and monitor the structure.
In the meantime, the footbridge remains safe and open for public use.
To view the live planning application, visit Accessing a planning application | Planning applications | Hull
For more information, and to keep up-to-date, visit Priory Drive Footbridge | Programmes – Bridges | Hull
