Hull Drypool Bridge shutting sparks row over extent of closures…

The shutting of Hull's Drypool Bridge has sparked a row over the extent of closures needed for repairs to fix rusting and breaking steel in its supporting columns. Opposition Labour's Cllr Haroldo Herrera-Richmond, of St Andrews and Docklands ward, said total closures would last longer than the two weeks currently planned and potentially as long as a year. Cllr Jack Haines, spokesperson for the ruling Liberal Democrats, said Drypool Bridge would be fixed as soon as possible and accused Labour of trying to score political points. It comes after Hull City Council's Assistant Director of Major Projects said on Friday (April 12) that Drypool Bridge would remain closed for two weeks for more surveys. It followed the bridge's emergency closure, which links east Hull with the city centre, last Wednesday after structural failings were found in supporting columns under its fixed east span. READ MORE: Hull's Drypool Bridge problems explained ahead of up to year of repairs costing £7m plus Hull's Drypool Bridge to be closed for at least two weeks – and repairs could take up to 12 months Mr Taylor said steel within the columns had began to rust and break, bursting through their outer concrete casings. He added the damage had not been visible during the previous routine inspection of the bridge six months prior to last week's. The current closures are in place to assess the extent of the damage, what repairs are required and how much of the bridge can be reopened and for how long. Mr Taylor said at least partial closures with some periods of total closures will be needed for up to a year and the cost of repairs would be at least £7m. Labour's Cllr Harolda Herrera-Richmond said the extent of the damage meant closures would last longer than two weeks (Image: Hull City Council) But the Labour group on the council said
SEE FULL ARTICLE