Scale Lane Bridge to close to pedestrians

REPAIRS NEEDED: Scale Lane Bridge

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Scale Lane Bridge will close to pedestrians from Tuesday, December 10 until the new year so repairs to its swing mechanism can be carried out.

The Hull Story revealed last month that marine traffic on the River Hull had been halted after a mechanical fault was found on the footbridge.

Hull City Council said today that a routine inspection identified several bearings that need replacing to ensure the long-term operation of the structure. The authority said temporary repairs had been carried out to allow the bridge to swing open so river traffic can pass. It will remain in that position until full repairs are done by a specialist contractor.

The council said work would start “as soon as possible in the new year, subject to the contractor’s other commitments”. The council will then be able to provide further updates on when the bridge will be fully operational and be re-opened to the public.

Garry Taylor, assistant director for major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “Following a recent inspection of the Scale Lane Bridge, engineers identified that, due to normal wear and tear, several of the swing mechanism’s bearings need replacing.

“We have been discussing the situation with a specialist contractor over the past few weeks and, while this has been going on, the bridge has remained open and safe for the public to use.

“However, we are now in a situation where vessels want to use the River Hull.

“By law, vessels have priority over pedestrian traffic, so the decision has been made to swing the bridge open and keep it in that position until the repairs are completed in the new year.

“The council would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

“We will be working closely with local businesses, including the Premier Inn, as well as pubs and restaurants in the Old Town and Lowgate area, to ensure that members of the public are aware and signposted to alternative routes, such as the Millenium Bridge, to enable trade to continue.”