£1m refurbishment project for Beverley's Weel Bridge due to start
Major upgrades to improve bridge's strength, safety, and accessibility
A £1m refurbishment project aimed at strengthening and improving Weel Bridge in Beverley is set to commence today (Monday, 13th April).
East Riding of Yorkshire Council will oversee the upgrade of the 70-year-old bridge, which spans the River Hull between Beverley and Weel village.
The work involves removing the entire aluminium structure for off-site refurbishment, leading to a route closure around the bridge for approximately 12 weeks until the bridge is reinstated in July.
The council’s inspection identified issues such as corrosion within the aluminium structure, wear on mechanical components, and deterioration of pedestrian access, necessitating the major overhaul.
Upgrades will include structural repairs, a modern operating system, and a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project is designed to enhance the bridge's strength, safety, and reliability, moving beyond routine maintenance due to its sensitive tidal location.
While the bridge is off-site, road improvements on either side will be tackled, including realignment for better visibility and safety.
Additionally, Weel household waste recycling site will be closed during this period. Residents are encouraged to use nearby sites in Hornsea, Driffield, and Humberfield at North Ferriby.
The council will also use this time to address drainage issues at the recycling site to prevent future flooding.
Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, 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.
“Unfortunately, carrying out the work while the bridge remained in place would cause major safety problems for users and our workers, and untold disruption to traffic.
“So it’s unavoidable that we need to remove the bridge and carry out the work off-site. This means the improvements can be made more quickly, regardless of the weather, to a better standard, and we can get the bridge back in place and the route reopened as soon as we possibly can.
“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.”
Contractor Esh Construction is implementing the project, drawing on past experiences with similar infrastructure improvements.
Steve Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “Weel Bridge is a vital piece of local infrastructure and this project will ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for purpose for decades to come.
“Drawing on our experience of delivering complex bridge refurbishment schemes such as Stamford Bridge and Bubwith Bridge, we’re using an off‑site approach that allows critical repairs and upgrades to be carried out under controlled conditions, improving quality while reducing overall programme time.
“We recognise the disruption that temporary closures can cause, and our focus is on completing the work as efficiently and safely as possible, before returning the bridge to service in a significantly improved condition for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike.”