Contractor appointed for Hull’s A63 Castle Street improvement scheme
A major project to improve access to the Port of Hull, relieving congestion and improving safety, has taken a major step forward following the appointment of the main contractor.
The Highways Agency has signed a £75 million deal with Balfour Beatty to oversee the improvements to the A63 Castle Street. Subject to the completion of statutory processes, it is expected that full construction work will start in 2016.
Plans for the scheme include three footbridges, suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled users, at Porter Street and in front of Princes Quay shopping centre.
One of the crossings, an iconic bridge over the A63 at Princes Quay, will go ahead following the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) being awarded £4 million from the government’s recent growth deal announcement and the Highways Agency has been working with Hull City Council on the plans for this bridge.
Roads Minister John Hayes said:
This proposed major improvement scheme for Castle Street, which comes as part of the Government’s record investment in roads, is great news for Hull’s drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who will see dramatic and positive changes to their journeys.
This is all about meeting the needs of a major growing city, creating jobs which will benefit the economy for years to come.
The aim of the project is to reduce the impact of the barrier caused by Castle Street between the city centre to the north, the tourist and recreational developments to the south, and to improve access to the Port of Hull.
This section of the A63 is one of the busiest sections of road in the area, and is an important link between the M62, Humber Bridge and the Port of Hull. Running east-west to the south of Hull city centre, between Ropery Street and Myton Bridge, for approximately one mile.
The Highways Agency is also working with Hull City Council to explore ways in which some work could be delivered early in the improvement scheme, including the construction of the proposed footbridges.
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