Hull road upgrade is key Transport for the North project

The planned Hull A63 Castle Street upgrade

The planned Hull A63 Castle Street upgrade

Work has started on improving the A63 Castle Street in order to create a better connection between the Port of Hull and the city centre.

Castle Street is a key scheme in Transport for the North’s strategic transport plan, and will see the creation of a new junction by lowering the level of the A63 at the Mytongate junction.

Peter Molyneux, Major Roads Director at Transport for the North, said: “It’s great to see on-site works commence on this vital project just a few months after it was confirmed in the March 2020 Budget. This scheme will have a significant impact on local connectivity, reducing congestion and opening up the waterfront area for people and freight.”

The A63 scheme is part of Transport for the North’s long-term vision for a sustainable, multimodal transport network that will support economic growth in our region for years to come.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’re working right across the country to level up infrastructure and the upgrades to the A63 Castle Street will provide the right tools to support Hull’s economic growth. As Northern Powerhouse Minister I welcome this vital improvement, which has the potential to cut journey times, improve reliability and boost businesses in the North.”

The improvements, being undertaken by Highways England, will see Ferensway and Commercial Road cross the A63, creating a split-level junction. The eastbound carriageway between Princes Dock Street and Market Place will be widened to three lanes, and a new bridge built over the A63 at Porter Street.

Work has begun at the Trinity Burial Ground, and a compound will be set up as offices on Wellington Street West. Work at the burial ground, which lies partially within the area where the scheme improvements need to be carried out, is being done with permission from the Church of England. Contractors are relocating monuments and removed walls in a careful and respectful manner, and are installing hoarding.

Cllr Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and planning at Hull City Council, said: “To see this long-awaited scheme finally start on site is a momentous occasion for this city. Over the past 20 years, we have worked hard to bring this crucial transport upgrade to fruition. This long-term investment will deliver significant benefits for those thousands of motorists who use this arterial route on a daily basis.”

Meanwhile Hull’s new bridge, which will be named after the city’s first female GP, Dr Mary Murdoch, opens this summer, having been built in advance of the main scheme to ensure connectivity during the work. It will connect the city centre to the marina, waterfront and fruit market. The bridge is going to cross the dual carriageway of the A63, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the road, as well as reducing congestion on the A63.