Beverley's Weel Bridge is lifted out of place for renovation works
A million pound revamp's underway
Last updated 20th Apr 2026
Beverley's 70-year-old Weel Bridge, spanning the River Hull, has been successfully removed as the first step of a £1m refurbishment project.
The bridge, weighing 20 tonnes, was lifted by a 250-tonne crane from its bearings at Grovehill Road and transported to Sheffield for specialist refurbishment on 18th April.
This removal necessitates a temporary 12-week closure of the route across the bridge, which is expected to reopen in July.
Additionally, the closure affects access to the Weel Household Waste Recycling Site.
The refurbishment aims to strengthen and repair the bridge, enhance safety, and extend its lifespan, including installing a modern operating system and creating a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the lift was a challenging operation that went as planned.
"Lifting out the bridge was an incredibly difficult and specialist operation, but I’m pleased everything went to plan and it proved to be a spectacular sight."
"Work can now begin on our essential refurbishment of this 70-year-old structure to make it stronger, safer and ready for the future for the many drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use it."
He acknowledged the impact on those living near by and said: "We completely understand the impact the closure will have on local people, and we want to thank residents for their patience while we can put the improved bridge back in place."
Council contractors Esh Construction, known for refurbishing other bridges in the region, are moving forward with the upgrades.
Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, commented on the complexity of the task: "The successful removal of Weel Bridge represents the first major operation of a highly complex and carefully coordinated refurbishment programme."
He added, "Removing an entire bridge for refurbishment is an unusual operation and highlighted a unique engineering challenge for the team as we seek to preserve this historic structure."
With the bridge off site, the company plans to take advantage of the closure by adjusting the road approach to improve visibility and safety, alongside creating a shared footpath and cycleway.
During the temporary bridge closure, traffic will be diverted via Weel Road and the A1035 Bridlington to Beverley Road.
Built in 1953, Weel Bridge last saw substantial improvements in 2012 but has since experienced minor closures for occasional repairs.
The bascule bridge’s design allows it to be raised for boat traffic passing along the River Hull.