Hull City Council announces short-term closure of Scale Lane footbridge to undertake specialist engineering work.
As part of the council’s long‑term infrastructure maintenance programme, Mason Clark Associates were appointed to carry out detailed investigations of Scale Lane footbridge earlier this year after it was identified in 2024 that the bridge’s bespoke swing mechanism required repair.
As part of these investigations, three of the bridge’s wheels were removed, stripped down for examination and refurbished off site. These elements are now ready to be reinstalled.
To complete this work safely and efficiently, Mason Clark Associates has developed a comprehensive programme designed to minimise disruption to those who use the crossing.
Engineers have been on site since Tuesday 5 May and have successfully installed the first two wheels without the need for closure.
However, to safely install the third wheel, the footbridge will need to be swung open from Wednesday 13 May until Tuesday 19 May.
During this period, the footbridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists, with a diversion in place via Millenium footbridge.
Due to the complexity of the structure, further investigations will be required to determine the permanent modifications required to the remaining wheel assemblies to achieve reliable future operation.
In the meantime, the bridge will continue to only be swung open for essential river traffic and emergencies.
Chris Jackson, executive director of regeneration and partnerships at Hull City Council, said: “Scale Lane footbridge is a unique and complex structure, and like all moving bridges it requires specialist engineering works to ensure it remains safe and reliable. These works are an essential part of that process.
“We appreciate that this short-term closure will cause some disruption. However, the works have been carefully planned, so the bridge is only closed when necessary, and to ensure it remains open to pedestrians and cyclists during the upcoming closure of Drypool Bridge.
“We’d like to thank residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding as we carry out these works to protect this vital crossing for years to come.”
Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “Scale Lane Footbridge is a highly specialised structure, and the work being carried out reflects the level of detail needed to maintain a moving bridge of this type.
“We’ve already completed the initial installations without closing the bridge, but the next phase requires it to be taken out of operation for a short period to ensure the work can be done safely and correctly.
“These investigations are an important step in confirming what further improvements are needed to support reliable operation in the long term.”
Please note that the dates for this closure are subject to change.
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 bespoke 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