Motorists and pedestrians are being advised that the footpath running between the A63 near Murdoch’s Connection and Waterhouse Lane is now closed so tunnelling work on a new sewer can be completed.
A large sewer pipe spanning more than half a metre in diameter is being replaced as part of Highways England’s A63 Castle Street scheme, which will see the introduction of a new junction by lowering the level of the A63 at Mytongate.
The sewer work is being carried out by Yorkshire Water and Highways England is working closely with the utility firm on this next major step, which needs to be done before work can start on the new underpass and junction upgrade.
Highways England senior project manager James Leeming said: “The closure of the footpath will enable engineers to safely carry out the tunnelling work and give them enough room to operate a crane away from road users and pedestrians.
“Completion of the tunnelling work will help us to progress the Castle Street project, which will transform the way people travel around the city.”
The closure will be in place for three months, during which time a clearly-signed diversion will direct people to Ferensway along Anlaby Road and down Princes Dock Street.
Meanwhile, access from Humber Dock Street has been closed to prevent pedestrians attempting to cross the road towards Princes Dock Street. A barrier has been installed across the junction of Humber Dock Street and the A63 to stop traffic from using the junction and pedestrians crossing to Princes Dock Street.
Engineers will also be building a kerb line across the road and carrying out changes to the drainage, white lining, signs and landscaping. This will ensure the pedestrian routes in the area are as safe as possible ahead of the potential reopening of bars and restaurants in the Humber Dock Street area.
The Fruit Market area is a popular destination for the people of Hull and with outdoor hospitality due to restart on Monday 12 April, pedestrian numbers are likely to increase. Some of the work will be noisy during the removal of the existing road surface, but it will only be done during the day between 7.30am and 6pm.
Pedestrians are also being reminded that they are no longer be able to cross the A63 at the existing controlled crossing at William Booth House and the Whittington and Cat pub.
Pedestrian routes are now in place with crossing points at Porter Street and across Murdoch’s Connection.
Earlier in the month a change to the way the Mytongate roundabout is used was introduced, preventing right-hand turns for traffic approaching the roundabout from all directions (A63 eastbound and westbound, Ferensway and Commercial Road). Drivers travelling along Ferensway and Commercial Road can no longer continue straight ahead.
Access to Myton Street from the A63 has also been closed with alternative access from Ferensway, Osborne Street and Waterhouse Lane. Warning signs and diversions are in place along with temporary traffic lights, and will remain until the underpass has been built.
To find out more about the A63 Castle Street scheme visit the Highways England website.
