Hull’s Drypool Bridge problems explained ahead of up to year…

Rusting and breaking steel within columns holding up part of Hull's Drypool Bridge are the cause of two weeks of closures ahead of repairs likely to cost at least £7m. Hull City Council inspections carried out this week found the steel within the concrete columns holding up the fixed east span of the bridge were under severe stress. Council assistant director of major projects Garry Taylor said the columns were structurally failing and surveys were needed to determine the necessary repairs and what loads the bridge can bear. The two-week survey comes ahead of works which will be fast-tracked and Mr Taylor said no other works would be done on another of Hull's six other bridges unless absolutely necessary. Mr Taylor gave a briefing about the state of the bridge today (Friday, April 12) following the emergency closure of the bridge to road traffic on Wednesday. READ MORE: Hull's Drypool Bridge to be closed for at least two weeks- and repairs could take up to 12 months Drypool Bridge in Hull closed to traffic 'until further notice' following inspection The council said at the time that further inspections were required before they could say how long it would remain closed for. Today, Mr Taylor said the moving part of the bridge which was built in 1961 is in good condition but the columns underneath the adjoining fixed span were failing significantly. He added the rusting and breaking, caused by exposure to salt in the atmosphere, had been found during Wednesday's routine inspection and had not been present six months earlier. Hull's bridges are routinely inspected every six months. Hull City Council's assistant director of major projects Garry Taylor said the condition of steel in the columns under Drypool Bridge has deteriorated significantly (Image: Hull City Council) Mr Taylo
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