Hull bridge
The scheme aims to create better connectivity between the city centre and the retail and docks region. Credit: © Crown copyright.

The UK’s Highways England (HE) has announced that the construction of Hull’s new bridge, which is part of the A63 Castle Street scheme, will be completed this year.

The scheme will create better connectivity between the city centre and the retail and docks region.

Highways England senior project manager James Leeming said: “We are delighted that the decision has been signed off, and we can now look forward to delivering improvements that will genuinely transform the city.

“These changes will make life considerably easier for road users and pedestrians. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported our plans, and I’m sure they share our delight in hearing the news we’ve been waiting for.”

The project, which is one of the important schemes in Transport for the North’s strategic transport plan, will see the creation of a new junction by lowering the level of the A63 at the Mytongate junction.

HE noted that Ferensway and Commercial Road will cross the A63 and will create a split-level junction, while the eastbound carriageway between Princes Dock Street and Market Place will be widened to three lanes, and a new bridge built over the A63 at Porter Street.

The completion of the bridge project is expected to improve journey times while supporting the city’s economic growth and also helping the Port of Hull to thrive.

HE received approval from the Transport Secretary, which will now enable it to establish a site compound and start work on the ground.

Hull City Council portfolio holder for economic regeneration and planning Councillor Daren Hale said: “Over the past 20 years the council has worked tirelessly alongside Highways England, our colleagues in the LEP and our local MPs to lobby for this essential upgrade and to ensure this scheme is high on the agenda for the Department for Transport.

“The council is also working closely with Highways England and Balfour Beatty on what we hope is just the first of many employment opportunities that will become available for local people in the city.”