'Spectacular sight' as crane removes bridge

1 hour ago

David McKennaEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Weel Bridge, which was built in 1953, is being repaired as part of a £1m refurbishment project

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Weel Bridge being hoisted from its position on the River Hull. The bridge platform is in mid-air with a person in hi-vis clothing standing nearby. There are a number of boats moored on the waterway. — Weel Bridge, which was built in 1953, is being repaired as part of a £1m refurbishment project

A 20-tonne bridge has been lifted away from the banks of the River Hull by crane as part of a £1m renovation, a council has confirmed.

Weel Bridge, which was built in 1953, was removed from the site on Grovehill Road, Beverley, on Saturday, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said.

The structure was taken by lorry for specialist refurbishment in Sheffield, the authority added.

In addition to the bridge repairs, the 12-week project will also include the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle path.

The 20-tonne bridge was taken to Sheffield to undergo specialist refurbishment

East Riding of Yorkshire Council A crane prepares to lift a 20-tonne section of Weel Bridge which spans the River Hull. The grey metal structure is set against a blue sky. Construction vehicles are visible in the distance. — The 20-tonne bridge was taken to Sheffield to undergo specialist refurbishment

The bridge removal was carried out by council contractors Esh Construction and a team of specialist subcontractors.

Steven Garrigan from Esh Construction described the removal as "highly complex and carefully coordinated".

"Removing an entire bridge for refurbishment is an unusual operation and highlighted a unique engineering challenge for the team," he added.

A number of road closures have been put in place, with diversion routes along Weel Road and the A1035 Bridlington to Beverley road.

Beverley's household waste recycling centre has also been closed due to access issues, the council said.

A series of road closures and diversions will be in place until the bridge is lifted back into place in July

East Riding of Yorkshire Council A metal bridge being lifted by crane cables. The grey structure is suspended in the air against a clear blue sky. — A series of road closures and diversions will be in place until the bridge is lifted back into place in July

Councillor Paul West, 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," he added.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices