Bridge of sighs: Closure of Myton Bridge may add an hour to journey times, drivers warned

CLOSING TONIGHT: Myton Bridge, carrying the A63 over the River Hull

By Simon Bristow

Drivers in Hull are being urged to allow more time for their journeys from tonight due to the temporary closure of two bridges over the River Hull.

The landmark Myton Bridge on the A63 – one of the key routes through the city – will be closed overnight from 8pm tonight until 6am on Thursday, and over the same times on Thursday night and Friday morning.

The closures will allow National Highways to remove the contraflow and make changes to the traffic layout on the bridge.

After the two overnight closures, traffic will run in lanes one and two in both directions with lane three closed as a safety zone, enabling work to be carried out on the central reservation. 

Since November 2022, Myton Swing Bridge has been undergoing restorative work including bearing replacement, resurfacing, bridge joint work, waterproofing and barrier and lighting improvements.  

National Highways project manager Elvis Agbodo said: “We are carrying out essential improvements to a structure which is now in its fifth decade. This will help to prevent frequent closures for repairs in the future. 

“We strongly advise drivers and transport managers to allow more time for their journeys and deliveries during these times. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.” 

WEEKEND CLOSURE: North Bridge

National Highways is working closely with colleagues on the A63 Castle Street and A1033 sites to minimise disruption and use the same closures and diversions where possible. 

There will be a fully-signed diversion in place during this week’s closures. This may extend journey times for motorway traffic by up to one hour, due to being limited to certain routes because of local restrictions on goods vehicles. 

Local traffic will follow a clearly signposted separate diversion, which is unsuitable for HGVs. Diversions have been agreed in advance with the local authority and police. 

The programme of improvements to the structure, which is owned by National Highways and maintained by Hull City Council, is expected to be complete in the winter.

Meanwhile, North Bridge will be closed all weekend for essential repairs, Hull City Council said.

The 48-hour closure will take place from 6am on Saturday (May 20) until 6am on Monday.

Hull City Council’s bridges team, alongside Midland Industrial Flooring, will be carrying out essential maintenance to the carriageway to repair worn areas of the non-slip/waterproofing surfacing.

The works will ensure the continued safe use of the bridge for vehicles, which will be diverted over Drypool Bridge.

Mark Jones, director of regeneration at the council, said: “These works will ensure the long-term use of North Bridge. It is only a short disruption and we ask motorists to be patient this weekend.”