‘We appreciate that this short-term closure will cause some disruption – we’d like to thank residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding’
Scale Lane footbridge, Hull.(Image: Hull City Council)
A unique Hull city centre footbridge is set to close for more than two weeks for vital maintenance works. Scale Lane Footbridge will shut from next week as part of Hull City Council’s infrastructure investment programme.
Linking Scale Lane with Tower Street, the footbridge is a key crossing from east to west which forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail cycle link to the Ferry Terminal. It remains the only moving bridge in the world where people can stay on it as it swings open and it has scooped many high profile national and international awards.
Now specialist contractors have been drafted in to carry out complex maintenance works, to improve its reliability. The planned works come after extensive investigations were made into the structure earlier this year, and will see diversions put in place for pedestrians and cyclists.
Hull-based consultancy Mason Clark Associates has developed a maintenance programme to boost the bridge’s reliability and support its long-term operation. The works will include the replacement of key connection bolts within the bridge’s swing mechanism.
This will improve reliability, supporting a return to routine bridge openings, which are currently limited to essential river traffic and emergency situations. Engineers will also carry out tests to gather data about how the structure is balanced and performs, to help safeguard the future of the bridge and ensure the city landmark can continue to be used safely by residents and visitors.
The scheme will take place from Tuesday, November 3, to Wednesday, November 18, during which time it will be closed to walkers and cyclists – but it will reopen in time for the Christmas light switch on in Hull city centre.
During the closure period a signed diversion will be in place via Millenium Footbridge. Pedestrians and cyclists will also be able to use Drypool Bridge to cross the river.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council said: “Scale Lane Footbridge is a unique and complex structure, and, like all moving bridges, requires specialist maintenance to ensure it remains safe and reliable. By undertaking these specialist works, we will address identified issues with the footbridge’s swing mechanism while gathering valuable information to help plan future maintenance and support its long-term reliability.
“We appreciate that this short-term closure will cause some disruption. However, the works have been carefully planned with the aim of reopening the bridge ahead of the Christmas lights switch-on and the busy festive shopping season. We’d like to thank residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding as we carry out these works to improve the reliability of this vital crossing for years to come.”
Andy Thompson, director of bridges at Mason Clark Associates, said: “The investigations undertaken at Scale Lane Footbridge have highlighted how important it is to understand not only the condition of individual components, but how the structure performs as a complete moving bridge. Replacing the connection bolts will address a specific issue identified within the swing mechanism, while we will also collect important data on its balance and load distribution.
“This information will give us a stronger technical basis for future maintenance decisions and help support the bridge’s continued reliable operation. Scale Lane is a highly distinctive structure, and we are pleased to continue supporting Hull City Council in looking after it for the long term.”
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