Multi-million pound bridge development nears completion
The Princes Quay Bridge scheme – which will shape the future of Hull and connect key sites in the city – is entering its final phases of construction and will soon have a new name.
The bridge which weighs 150 tonnes and is 60 metres long will span the A63 and enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross over the busy dual carriageway.
The assembled bridge was delivered to its final position in November last year and since being manoeuvred into position the marina platform has been completed, the supports for the steel ramps have been installed and construction has started on the bridge ramps and stairs.
Before the bridge opens this spring more work needs to be done, this includes completing the concrete work on the bridge, laying the paving, landscaping and finishing the ramps.
To provide the structure with a new name students from local schools have been asked to put pen to paper and come up with a name for the new bridge.
Two schools – Newland School for Girls and Archbishop Sentamu Academy – have been set the essay question of “The naming of the bridge – who inspires me and why?”.
A judging panel has been formed consisting of Emma Hardy MP, Katy Duke (CEO Deep), Cllr Daren Hale (Deputy Leader of the Labour Group), Karen Oliver-Spry (Humber LEP Investment Programme Manager) and key members of the internal Highways England Project Team.
Highways England senior project manager James Leeming said: “It is fantastic that we are now in the final construction phase of the project but we still have a substantial amount of work to do.
“We want to thank the public for their patience and we are looking forward to reviewing the entries from the essay competition and are confident that the students of Hull will provide us with a great name for this iconic structure.
“This will ensure a real legacy is left for the people of Hull as the name was suggested by a local school pupil.”
The Highways England project is only the first phase of the A63 Castle Street road improvement scheme.
Subject to planning approval from the Secretary of State, the £355m main scheme will involve the creation of a new junction by lowering the level of the A63 at the Mytongate junction.
Ferensway and Commercial Road will cross the A63 creating a split-level junction. Between Princes Dock Street and Market Place it is proposed to widen the eastbound carriageway to three lanes. There should also be a new footbridge over the A63 at Porter Street.
Work is expected to start on the main scheme in spring, after the bridge opens.
The bridge 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.
