Hull City Council has announced that work will commence this week on Scale Lane Bridge.
Following a routine inspection last year, it was identified that several of the structure’s bearings needed replacing and the council took the decision at the time to swing the bridge into the position for the benefit of river traffic, which has priority by law.
Since then, a contractor has been appointed to undertake investigations, and will start on site on tomorrow, Tuesday 25 February. The works are expected to be complete by Friday 28 February.
To do these investigations, and access the fault, the contractor will need to swing the bridge.
At the same time, the contractor will look at any further works needed which could extend the bridge’s operational life and reduce the risk of any future unplanned closures and to design a comprehensive maintenance scheme for delivery later this year.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: “We understand the importance of Scale Lane Bridge to our residents and businesses and that is why, since closing the bridge to pedestrians, just before Christmas, our engineers have prioritised the need to repair the structure.
“Investigatory works are now planned that will not only address the immediate repair needs of the bridge but will have the added benefit of re-opening it as a safe and accessible pedestrian crossing, which will help mitigate the potential disruption from our planned programme of works on Drypool Bridge that will start in the spring.
“As with all the city’s bridges, Scale Lane is a complex structure, with a complex engineering process, and we are keen to futureproof it for generations to come.
“We’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while the bridge has been closed, and for their continued cooperation when the time comes for repairs to be carried out.”
The council will provide further updates and details about the proposed scheme of repairs for Scale Lane Bridge, once the investigations are complete and a programme is designed – including timeframes for delivery.
