Work begins on scheme to transform city’s transport infrastructure

A road upgrade intended to cut journey times and boost business in Hull is now officially under way.

Work has started to improve the A63 Castle Street, which will create a much better connection between the city centre and the retail and docks area.

This Highways England project is designed to support Hull’s economic growth, improve journeys to and from the city centre, and help the Port of Hull flourish.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “We are really pleased that we are now starting this long-awaited project. This upgrade will greatly improve journeys into Hull and the Port of Hull.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’re working right across the country to level up infrastructure and the upgrades to the A63 Castle Street will provide the right tools to support Hull’s economic growth.

“As Northern Powerhouse Minister I welcome this vital improvement, which has the potential to cut journey times, improve reliability and boost businesses in the North.”

Castle Street is a key scheme in Transport for the North’s strategic transport plan, and will see the creation of a new junction by lowering the level of the A63 at the Mytongate junction.

Peter Molyneux, major roads director at Transport for the North, said: “It’s great to see on-site works commence on this vital project just a few months after it was confirmed in the March 2020 Budget.

“This scheme will have a significant impact on local connectivity, reducing congestion and opening up the waterfront area for people and freight.

“Alongside other road and rail schemes across the North the A63 scheme is part of Transport for the North’s long-term vision for a sustainable, multimodal transport network that will support economic growth in our region for years to come.”

The improvements will also see Ferensway and Commercial Road cross the A63, creating a split-level junction.

The eastbound carriageway between Princes Dock Street and Market Place will be widened to three lanes, and a bridge built over the A63 at Porter Street.

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and planning at Hull City Council, said: “To see this long-awaited scheme finally start on site is a momentous occasion for this city. Over the past 20 years, we have worked hard to bring this crucial transport upgrade to fruition.

“This long-term investment will deliver significant benefits for those thousands of motorists who use this arterial route on a daily basis.”

Meanwhile Hull’s new bridge, which will be named after the city’s first female GP Dr Mary Murdoch, opens this summer, having been built in advance of the main scheme to ensure connectivity during the work.

It will connect the city centre to the marina, waterfront and fruit market.

The bridge is going to cross the dual carriageway of the A63, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the road, as well as reducing congestion on the A63.