Hull City Council Announces Eight-Week Closure of Drypool Bridge Starting 27 May 2026

Hull City Council has announced that Drypool Bridge will be completely closed to all vehicles and pedestrians for approximately eight weeks starting from Wednesday 27 May 2026. This closure is part of a significant repair and strengthening programme aimed at ensuring the bridge's long-term safety and reliability.

Background On The Repairs

The decision for the full closure follows an earlier closure that took place from 15 September to 27 November 2025. This initial phase allowed for essential work to be completed, including the removal of damaged concrete and reconstruction of columns. The bridge was reopened just in time for the busy Christmas and New Year season, demonstrating the council's commitment to minimising inconvenience for local residents and visitors.

The current round of repairs is crucial. Routine inspections in 2024 indicated that the bridge required significant maintenance. The council is working closely with local contractors, Esh Construction, and design experts from Mason Clark Associates, to ensure that the necessary work is carried out efficiently and effectively.

Details Of The Upcoming Closure

During the upcoming closure, several key tasks will be undertaken, including:

• Repairing and protecting the concrete on the river-facing side of the bridge to prevent future damage.

• Cleaning and repainting important structural components to enhance durability.

• Removing the old road surface and installing new waterproofing and surfacing on the west approach to the bridge.

• Resurfacing the road on the east side to ensure a smoother and safer finish.

Additionally, bearing and double column replacements will continue, along with cathodic protection for the east fixed span. The fascia beam on the west side will also be repainted as part of these essential upgrades.

Impact On Local Traffic

To manage traffic during the bridge's closure, the council will temporarily amend the operating area of the city centre Bus Gate. This will ensure that bus services remain reliable. The Bus Gate will allow only eastbound traffic from Guildhall Road to Dock Street and will restrict access to authorised vehicles, including buses, cycles, motorcycles, taxis, and emergency vehicles.

General traffic will need to find alternative routes, diverting around the area via Wilberforce Drive and George Street, depending on their direction of travel. The Bus Gate will operate 24 hours a day, and while warning notices will initially be issued to inform drivers, enforcement may follow if necessary.

Community Response

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, who oversees transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, acknowledged the potential disruption caused by the closure. He stated, “We understand that another full closure will cause disruption, which is why we’ve worked hard to keep the bridge open whenever possible and only closing it when absolutely necessary.” He also encouraged the community to plan ahead and consider alternative travel options during this time.

Paul Allen, Senior Project Manager at Esh Construction, highlighted the importance of the closure for safety, saying, “The closure will allow us to safely access and repair key components beneath the bridge and on the bridge deck.”

Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, added that the next phase of work is critical for the long-term safety and resilience of Drypool Bridge, which is an essential route through the city.

Future Works

Once the full closure is completed, work on the bridge will continue until winter 2026, although the bridge will reopen to traffic in both directions under traffic management. This ongoing investment in Hull’s transport infrastructure is aimed at preserving the city’s heritage and ensuring that key routes are maintained for the future.