Progress made on city bridge to improve transport infrastructure
The Princes Quay Bridge scheme in Hull is taking shape, with all 11 pieces of the structure now in position and being welded in preparation for the journey to its final stop.
The Highways England project, which is the first phase of the A63 Castle Street scheme, will shape the future of Hull and connect key sites. The team on site are now in the process of testing every weld before adding the paint.
Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, visited the scheme and spoke of her excitement about the progress being made. All 11 sections arrived last month and Hardy took a tour of the site, where the pieces of the structure are being welded and assembled.
She said: “It was great to be a guest of Highways England and to visit the Princes Quay Bridge scheme. I am really excited about this project as it will help alleviate pedestrian issues in crossing the A63 and in turn help reduce congestion.
“On top of this, the bridge is a wonderful structure to look upon and will become a landmark to drivers and pedestrians throughout Hull city.
“I look forward to the bridge being completed next spring and I would like to thank Highways England for the fantastic work they have been conducting all with the absolute minimum of disruption to all of us in Hull.”
The bridge, which will have a new name when it’s complete, will help link the city’s marina with the southern end of Princes Dock. It will improve safety and access, making it easier for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled people to cross the busy A63.
The pieces of the 60m-long, 150-tonne bridge are gradually being built before electrics are installed for lighting. When this work is done, the bridge can be driven the short distance to the site where it will be placed into its permanent position over the A63.
Highways England Project Manager Tom Peckitt said: “We were delighted to welcome Emma on site and show her how the project is coming along. This is an exciting time for Hull and we share that excitement, especially now we are seeing the bridge take shape.”
This is being part funded with a £4m contribution from the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership’s local growth fund programme, secured through its growth deals with Government and part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
