Weel Bridge is back where it belongs – but motorists will have to wait a little longer before they can drive across it.
The 20-tonne aluminium bridge was lifted back into position at the end of Grovehill Road on Saturday (12 September) using a huge 250-tonne crane, following a £1 million refurbishment.
The 73-year-old bridge was removed in April and taken to Blyth, near Doncaster, for specialist repairs and strengthening by East Riding of Yorkshire Council contractor Esh Construction.
The major overhaul included repairs to corrosion damage, strengthening the aluminium structure, upgrading the mechanical, electrical and control systems, and refurbishing the parapets.
The road approaches have also been realigned to improve visibility, while the shared footway and cycleway has been widened.
A new operating system has also been installed to control the bridge as it rises and lowers to allow boats to pass along the River Hull.
The project was delayed by two months after engineers discovered additional corrosion within the structure.
Now back in place and sporting a fresh blue coat of paint, the bridge still has a three-tonne weight limit and 3.3-metre height restriction.
Engineers must now complete installation, commissioning and safety checks before the bridge can reopen. It is expected to take around two weeks.
The nearby Weel Household Waste Recycling Site, which has been closed while the bridge was away, will also reopen when the crossing returns to service.
Built in 1953, Weel Bridge is a bascule bridge, allowing its deck to be raised to let boat traffic travel along the River Hull.
