Esh Construction has secured a contract to undertake the early contractor involvement (ECI) phase for the repair and strengthening of a bridge in Hull city centre.
A routine inspection discovered that several of the load-bearing columns under Drypool Bridge – a Scherzer rolling bascule bridge built in the early 1960s – have significantly deteriorated and a programme of major repairs is required to ensure its safety and longevity.
Procured via YORhub’s YORcivil3 framework, Hull City Council has appointed Esh Construction and Mason Clark Associates to develop the design by undertaking detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and then preparing the construction programme for the main repair and strengthening project.
Michael Sherrard, Esh’s Construction Manager, said: “We have a raft of experience in taking projects through the ECI phase and subsequently delivering the main construction phase, specifically on structures like Drypool Bridge, therefore we are delighted to be involved in this important project.”
Garry Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Projects, Culture, and Place, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.
“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.
“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”
The ECI phase will determine the start date for physical works on site. In the meantime, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and remains open to all traffic until the major repairs commence.
Following the successful completion of ECI on two bridges which span the River Derwent in East Yorkshire, Esh Construction is currently on site undertaking the repair and restoration of the 18th century Grade II listed Stamford Bridge after a series of vehicle collisions over the years caused damage to the parapets. This follows the completion – ahead of programme – of a similar scheme in Bubwith, which saw Esh deliver emergency repair and strengthening works to a bridge that was hit by a car resulting in significant damage to the headwall and parapet.
We have a raft of experience in taking projects through the ECI phase and subsequently delivering the main construction phase, specifically on structures like Drypool Bridge, therefore we are delighted to be involved in this important project.”