Programmes - Bridges

Drypool Bridge will be fully closed to all vehicles and pedestrians from Wednesday 27 May to late July, as the major repair and strengthening programme enters a crucial phase.

Works during the second full closure will focus on -

• repairing and protecting the concrete on the river-facing side of the bridge to prevent future damage
• cleaning and repainting key structural parts to improve durability
• removing the old road surfacing and installing new waterproofing and surfacing on the west approach to the bridge
• resurfacing the road on the east side to provide a smoother, safer finish
• bearing and double column replacement works
• cathodic protection (a corrosion prevention technique) of the east fixed span
• repainting of the west fixed span fascia beam

We’ve worked hard to keep Drypool Bridge open where possible. This next phase of work means that it must be fully closed for around eight weeks.

We know that there will be disruptions to journeys, so we urge you to plan and consider alternative travel options.

We recommend that you check out our Travel Hull website, which has information on active and sustainable travel options, including buses, cycling, rail and walking.

Following this closure, works will continue on the bridge until winter 2026 under traffic management, with the bridge open to traffic in both directions.

This scheme is not only about restoring the bridge’s structural integrity, but also about ensuring it remains a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.

Bus Gate

We are temporarily amending the operating area of the city centre Bus Gate to ensure the continued reliability of bus services during Drypool Bridge’s closure.

The Bus Gate will be in operation from Guildhall Road to Dock Street, eastbound only, and will prohibit vehicles from entering other than those authorised, including buses, cycles, motorcycles, taxis, emergency vehicles and hackney carriages.

General traffic will need to divert around the area via Wilberforce Drive / George Street and vice versa, depending on direction of travel.

We will issue warning notices only in the first instance, with the potential to enforce.

The Bus Gate will be in operation 24/7.

Works completed so far

Since July 2025, major progress has been made. Such as -

• surfacing and nosing removed and replaced, with repairs completed on the east fixed span
• over 1,500 steel dowels were installed and strength tested
• defective concrete and rebar have been removed, and jacks and stanchions have been installed to support the bridge’s load
• several concrete columns have been removed via wire saw cutting and then reconstructed, alongside general concrete repairs
• transverse beams were removed following concrete removal using high-pressure water jets and steel cutting, and have been replaced, allowing bearing works to commence.
• silt cleared to allow for inspection and cathodic protection works

Background

Drypool Bridge is a single-leaf bascule Scherzer rolling bridge. It originally opened in 1961, replacing the 1889 swing bridge.

Following a routine inspection in April 2024, several load-bearing columns supporting Drypool Bridge on Clarence Street were found to be in a significant state of deterioration.

In response, we have been working closely with Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates to deliver a comprehensive design, repair, and strengthening scheme.

The contractors have been on-site since Monday 7 July 2025, with the first full closure taking place in autumn 2025.

Further information

You can access more information about the Drypool Bridge works.

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