A 20-tonne metal lifted bridge has been successfully lifted from the River Hull in Beverley in the first phase of a £1m refurbishment project.
In a major engineering operation, the 70-year-old Weel Bridge was removed clear of its bearings from the river banks at the end of Grovehill Road using a 250-tonne crane on Saturday (18 April).
The aluminium structure, which carries traffic over the river, between Beverley and the village of Weel, was hoisted on to a lorry before being transported for specialist refurbishment in Sheffield.
Unavoidably, the removal has meant the temporary closure of the route over the bridge for around 12 weeks, until the bridge can be lifted back in place in July.
It has also meant the closure of the Weel Household Waste Recycling Site because of access issues.
The major overhaul is designed to strengthen and repair the bridge, improve safety and access for traffic, and extend its life.
The work will also include the installation of a modern operating system and the creation of a new dedicated shared path across it for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Lifting out the bridge was an incredibly difficult and specialist operation, but I’m pleased everything went to plan and it proved to be a spectacular sight.
“Work can now begin on our essential refurbishment of this 70-year-old structure to make it stronger, safer and ready for the future for the many drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use it.
“We completely understand the impact the closure will have on local people, and we want to thank residents for their patience while we can put the improved bridge back in place.”
Saturday’s engineering feat was carried out by council contractors Esh Construction and its specialist subcontractors, who will be upgrading the bridge.
Esh Construction previously worked with the council on the restorations of Bubwith Bridge and Stamford Bridge, and is currently refurbishing the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and Drypool Bridge in Hull.
Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “The successful removal of Weel Bridge represents the first major operation of a highly complex and carefully coordinated refurbishment programme.
“Lifting and transporting a 70‑year‑old aluminium bascule bridge requires detailed planning and close collaboration, and the operation reflects the expertise of everyone involved.
“Removing an entire bridge for refurbishment is an unusual operation and highlighted a unique engineering challenge for the team as we seek to preserve this historic structure.”
While the bridge is off site, the contractor will take advantage of the road closure to straighten the approach to the bridge to improve visibility and safety for vehicles, as well as the creation of a shared footpath and cycleway.
While the temporary closure of the route is in place, traffic won’t have access to Grovehill Road in Beverley from Weel Road, and vice versa.
Traffic to and from Weel will be diverted along Weel Road and the A1035 Bridlington to Beverley road, until the work is completed.
The bridge was built in 1953. The last major improvements were carried out in 2012, but it has been closed for short periods for minor work several times since.
Weel Bridge is a bascule bridge, meaning it can be raised and lowered to cater for boat traffic along the river.
Photo : The major lifting operation of Weel Bridge.
