Council statement regarding A63 footbridge

Hull City Council and Alan Johnson MP have in recent weeks been in extensive discussions with Highways England (HE) and the Department for Transport about the construction of the A63 footbridge. These discussions are on-going which is why nothing has been announced up to this point.

During these discussions, we were extremely disappointed to learn from HE that the bridge could not be completed until the end of 2017. As a consequence, the Council and HE recognised that there was no alternative but to delay construction because it would have caused unacceptable disruption throughout our City of Culture celebrations.

Councillor Martin Mancey, Portfolio Holder for Energy City, said:

“Of course, we are extremely disappointed by this news from HE but we are working hard to support and assist them and they have been clear that they remain committed to the development of the footbridge, which we are hopeful will start in 2018.

“If construction had gone ahead, the level of disruption it would have caused on the main arterial route in the city during our year as City of Culture would not have been acceptable.

“We are currently in discussions with HE to develop a detailed plan to improve the existing crossings across Castle Street in time for 2017, the details of which will be released shortly.”

This is only one part of the redevelopment works taking place in Hull, and the bridge will still be a key element of the city’s lasting legacy of 2017, alongside plans for the Hull Venue and the Cruise Terminal.

The main A63 scheme remains on track with the final HE assessment of the project expected this summer and the Council and our MP’s will continue to work with HE to ensure the development progresses as quickly as possible.