Hidden damage discovered during Beverley bridge upgrades delays reopening
Unexpected defects found in Weel Bridge require additional repairs
The reopening of a vital metal road bridge in Beverley will be delayed as engineers discover unexpected defects during improvement works.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council has committed £1 million to upgrade the Weel Bridge, a 70-year-old structure that spans the River Hull between Beverley and the village of Weel.
Originally planned for July, the bridge's return is now anticipated in August following unforeseen issues uncovered during refurbishments by Esh Construction, the council's contractor.
In April, the 20-tonne structure was removed and transported to Sheffield for refurbishment.
Corrosion-related defects within the aluminium structure were subsequently identified, necessitating extra repairs and safety checks.
These hidden issues were not visible during initial inspections conducted while the bridge was in place.
Councillor Paul West acknowledged the delay and apologised for not reopening in July as planned.
West emphasised the importance of ensuring the bridge's safety and quality, despite the setback.
Efforts are being made to minimise the delay, with the contractor arranging extended working hours to expedite progress without compromising quality or safety.
The delay affects the Weel Household Waste Recycling site's reopening, requiring residents to rely on alternative recycling sites in nearby areas such as Hornsea, Driffield, and Market Weighton.
Improvement efforts target the strengthening, repair, and safety enhancement of the bridge, including the installation of a modern operating system and a dedicated shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
While off-site, the contractor is utilising the road closure to boost visibility and safety, straightening the approach to the bridge and providing a footpath and cycleway.
Traffic diversions remain in place via Weel Road and the A1035 Bridlington to Beverley road until completion of the work.