Dismay as A63 Castle Street works delayed until 2026
‘CHALLENGING’: The A63 at Castle Street
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The completion date for major roadworks on the A63 at Castle Street has been put back a year, due to ground conditions “that could not have been anticipated before the scheme began”.
The £355m National Highways project – the biggest in Hull’s history – began in March 2020 and was due for completion in spring 2025.
But in an update posted on the agency’s website today, National Highways said that date had now been moved back to spring 2026.
It said: “We have encountered some extremely challenging ground conditions near the Humber that could not have been anticipated before the scheme began.
“Although we have continued to work at pace, it has unfortunately become clear that these unexpected conditions mean that we will not be able to hit our previously published open to traffic date of spring 2025. We’ve now reached a stage where we have greater awareness of the conditions and how to meet them and are working towards completion by spring 2026.”
The statement added: “We recognise the disruption caused since the scheme began, and we're extremely grateful to everyone for their patience.”
News of such a significant delay along the city’s busiest route has been met with dismay.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is deeply disappointing to hear that National Highways has announced that the Castle Street scheme won’t now be finished until spring 2026.
CHANGE: Work on the underpass. Picture credit: Octovision Media
“I’m calling on National Highways to immediately reassure road users about the scheme going forward. I’m also calling for them to provide a business relief package for businesses who will be impacted by this alarming delay.”
Frances Oliver, National Highways project manager, said: “The completion of the A63 Castle Street project has unfortunately been delayed. This is due to very challenging ground conditions on part of the site, which became apparent when our teams began working in that area.
“We now have a clearer picture of the changes to the programme needed and are working towards completion by spring 2026.
“We apologise for the delay in getting these works completed. While these are important improvements, we recognise the disruption caused since the scheme began in 2020 and we’re extremely grateful to the public for their patience.”
The work will see the creation of a new split-level junction by lowering the level of the A63 to create an underpass, with Ferensway and Commercial Road crossing the A63. Pedestrian and cycling routes will also be improved, the agency said.
The aim of the scheme is to ease congestion, reduce queuing and make journey times more reliable.
The excavation part of the project has been completed, with over 45,000 m³ of earth removed.
An email seen by councillors calls the scheme “one of the most complex road engineering undertakings in the UK”.
The email says: “On behalf of National Highways, I would like to sincerely apologise for this extended timeline. However, we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to deliver this highly complex engineering scheme, which will bring transformative benefits to Hull, the wider region, and the economy.
“As I’m sure you are already aware, once completed, the project will deliver vital improvements to the strategic road network, enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving connectivity between Hull and the surrounding areas.
“It will support local businesses, attract investment, and provide smoother journeys for road users, significantly contributing to the region's economic growth.”