Start date for £1m bridge renovation project

A £1m project to renovate a 1950s bridge will begin in April.

The "essential" scheme to improve Weel Bridge, which crosses the River Hull at Beverley, will start on 13 April, according to East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The bridge will be closed for three months, with diversion routes in place along Weel Road and the A1035 Bridlington to Beverley road.

The project was originally planned to start in November 2025 and last until March, but it was paused after residents raised concerns about pedestrian safety on the proposed diversion routes.

Inspections identified corrosion and wear to the bridge's key mechanical components, the council said. The parapets and pedestrian access had also deteriorated.

The last major improvements on the bridge were carried out in 2012 but it has been closed for short periods for minor work several times since.

As part of the improvement project, the bascule bridge will be removed and refurbished off-site. It is due to be put back in place in July.

A modern operating system would be installed and a new path for pedestrians and cyclists would also be built, the council added.

The work will be carried out by contractor Esh Construction.

During the 12-week project, residents will not have access to Grovehill Road from Weel Road and vice versa.

Residents of the hamlet of Weel raised concerns at a public meeting in October 2025 about the original plans, as schoolchildren and other pedestrians would have to share a single-track road with heavy traffic heading for a waste recycling centre as part of the diversion.

However, the recycling site at Weel would now be closed until the work is completed, the council said.

Residents have been urged to use recycling sites in Hornsea, Driffield and North Ferriby instead.

Councillor Paul West said: "We understand the closure of this route will cause issues for drivers and pedestrians, but I want to thank them in advance for bearing with us while we complete this essential work and reopen the bridge.

"We want to make sure this bridge is strong, safe and better for the drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who use it for years to come."

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