Cllr Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads, and highways, went ‘back to the floor’ as he joined Hull City Council’s bridges team at Drypool Bridge.
The visit, which took place on Thursday 11 July, allowed Cllr Ieronimo to gain a firsthand understanding of the extensive design, repair, and strengthening works required.
This site visit underscores the council’s determination to carry out the repair works efficiently and to the highest standards.
Reflecting on his time at Drypool Bridge, Cllr Ieronimo said: “This visit highlights the significant task ahead of us. We are fully aware of the historic challenges this bridge has faced, and we are committed to resolving these issues comprehensively.
“This project will require considerable resources, but it is essential for the safety and efficiency of our transport network.
“We are dedicated to doing the repair work properly, ensuring that the bridge remains a reliable part of our infrastructure for generations to come.”
The council acknowledges the importance of this project and is working closely with contractors Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates.
In preparation for the physical work starting on site both contractors are progressing well with the scheme’s preparatory phase.
Their teams are currently undertaking detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and preparing the schedule for the main repair and strengthening project.
Alongside these works, Mason Clark Associates are also using their expertise to oversee the design phase, ensuring that the bridge’s historic character and charm is preserved while meeting modern safety standards.
Cllr Ieronimo added: “The repairs on Drypool Bridge are crucial for our city, and I believe that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridge’s longevity.
“During my site visit, as well as gaining knowledge about the structure and the repairs needed, I also gained a profound respect for the contractors and the council’s bridges team. Their expertise is truly exceptional.
“I thank them all for their dedication to this project and look forward to seeing the repair, strengthening, and design works start on site in the near future.”
Andy Thompson, Bridges Director at Mason Clark Associates said “As a Hull-based company, we are pleased to be working with Hull City Council and Esh Construction on this iconic local structure.
“Our team of dedicated engineers are working exceptionally hard to ensure that the repair and strengthening scheme is developed to the highest standard, to ensure the long-term reliability of the bridge and minimise disruption to users.”
Michael Sherrard, Esh’s Construction Manager, said: “We have a raft of experience in taking projects through the early contractor involvement phase and subsequently delivering the main construction phase, specifically on structures like Drypool Bridge, therefore we are delighted to be involved in this important project.”
Whilst the schedule for the main repair, strengthening, and design project is being prepared, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic, until the major repairs commence.
To keep up to date with the latest scheduled and emergency works taking place across Hull, visit Causeway one.network or the Hull weekly roadworks update section on HullCCNews.
