Bridge team picked by Hull

The city council has selected Esh Construction and Mason Clark Associates to progress design, repair and strengthening works of Drypool Bridge.

Following a routine inspection in April, HCC discovered that several of the load-bearing columns under Drypool Bridge had significantly deteriorated.

As a result, the historic structure on Clarence Street will undergo major repairs to ensure its safety and longevity.

In preparation for the physical works on site, Esh and Mason Clark have been appointed to lead on the preparatory phase.

Their teams will undertake detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and prepare the schedule for the main repair and strengthening project.

Alongside these works, Mason Clark will oversee design works to ensure that the bridge’s historic character is preserved while meeting modern safety standards.

Garry Taylor, assistant director of major projects, culture, and place at the local authority, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.

“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.

“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”

The early contractor involvement phase will determine the start date for physical works on site.

In the meantime, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic until the major repairs start.

Esh’s civils division has this year won work with East Riding of Yorkshire Council on a separate bridge project, repairing the 18th century Stamford Bridge on the A166.