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News • July 23rd, 2026
|After two months of essential repairs, Drypool Bridge in Hull is set to reopen to all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists on Friday 24 July 2026. The closure, which began in late May, allowed for crucial maintenance to ensure the bridge remains a reliable part of the city's transport network.
Importance of Drypool Bridge
Drypool Bridge is not just a crossing over water; it's a key part of Hull's heritage and transportation system. Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, highlighted the bridge's significance, saying, “Drypool Bridge is a vital part of Hull’s transport network and an important piece of the city’s heritage.” The recent repairs have addressed structural issues that were identified during routine inspections in 2024, ensuring the bridge's longevity and resilience for years to come.
Details of the Repairs
The repairs carried out during the closure included:
Concrete repairs to strengthen the bridge's structure.
Repainting of key structural elements to protect against weather damage.
These tasks were crucial and could not have been performed safely while the bridge was still in use.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, who oversees transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, expressed gratitude for the community's patience during this time:
“We recognise the disruption that closing such a key route has caused, but these repairs are essential to safeguard the long-term future of the bridge.”
Collaboration for Success
The successful reopening of Drypool Bridge was made possible through a collaborative effort involving Hull City Council, Esh Construction, and Mason Clark Associates.
Paul Allen, Senior Project Manager at Esh Construction, noted that the full closure allowed their team to work efficiently, reducing the need for longer disruptions in the future:
“The full bridge closure has provided a vital window for our team to complete a significant package of repairs safely and efficiently.”
What to Expect After Reopening
The bridge will officially reopen at approximately 3.30pm on 24 July, but some traffic management measures will remain in place as further works continue. This means that while the bridge will be accessible, there may still be some restrictions to ensure safety during the ongoing improvements.
Additionally, improvements on Alfred Gelder Street, which were coordinated with the bridge repairs, will also conclude on the same day. This means that road users can expect a smoother journey as both the bridge and the street will be fully operational again.
Traffic Management Measures
During the closure, a temporary Bus Gate was introduced on Queen’s Dock Avenue to support bus services. However, this measure will be suspended once the bridge reopens, along with the reconfiguration of AI traffic signals that were put in place to manage congestion during the repair period. This should help restore normal traffic flow in the area.
