Hull open for business as A63 Castle Street moves ahead

Hull remains on the move and open for business – that was the clear message as Emma Hardy MP and city business leaders viewed the latest progress on a National Highways scheme to improve transport in Hull.

Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, and Kathryn Shillito, Executive Director of Hull Business Improvement District (BID), got a close-up view of the construction of a new junction and better connections on the £355m A63 Castle Street scheme.

Throughout the improvements, National Highways and delivery partner Balfour Beatty is working in partnership with the MP, Hull Council and businesses to keep traffic flowing and the city centre open and accessible to all.

National Highways Project Manager Frances Oliver said:

“As everyone who lives or works in Hull, or has visited the area knows, the ongoing Castle Street scheme is a major set of works having a significant impact in the city centre. The scheme is among the most challenging and complex of its kind currently under construction in the UK.

“Once it’s complete, it will create far better journeys for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Hull. People will notice a difference as the scheme will ease congestion and make their journeys easier and safer.

“We do understand the disruption a project of this scale can create, so it’s really important we work closely with our partners and share regular updates. We were delighted to highlight the latest progress and discuss how, together, we can support business, make sure the city centre remains as accessible as possible and keep traffic on the move while this work is taking place.”

Emma Hardy MP said:

“I was really pleased to join National Highways and Kathryn Shillito of Hull BID to see the latest progress for the A63 project. We were able to have a productive conversation to ensure minimal disruption to businesses.

“While some disruption is unavoidable, it’s important that we work collaboratively to limit this for businesses and residents. I look forward to continuing to work with all partners during the remainder of this project.”

A major part of the scheme is a new split-level junction at Mytongate. This is being created by lowering the level of the A63 at this point, with Ferensway and Commercial Road being raised to cross the A63. Mytongate now has a full deck of bridge beams as the structure starts to take shape.

Between Princes Dock Street and Market Place the eastbound carriageway will be widened to three lanes.

The tour provided a close-up view of the central construction area, where the next critical phase of the work will see the road layout switched to allow the two eastbound lanes and the two westbound lanes to run either side of a new underpass.

Ms Hardy and Ms Shillito were given a run-through of the careful sequence of construction, which aims to maintain traffic flow throughout the scheme.

Kathryn Shillito, Executive Director of Hull BID, said:

"It was helpful to get out onto site with National Highways to see the work taking place and to hear first-hand about the progress being made. Communication between National Highways, Hull City Council and city centre businesses is one of our key roles and played an important part in agreeing changes to the work schedule in the run-up to Christmas, thereby minimising any disruption.

"We recognise the work is essential and as it continues into 2024 we will continue to liaise with all parties to share the information which will help our members prepare in advance for any adverse impact and to get the message out that Hull city centre remains very much open for business.”

The project is expected to be completed in 2025.

Frances said:

“Being so close to the Humber, the ground creates some very challenging conditions for constructing an underpass. Nonetheless, we’re pleased to say work continues to progress really well. We’ll soon see the next set of key activities start which will take us into the next chapter of the project, with bulk excavation leading to the creation of the underpass starting in winter.”

Cyclists and pedestrians

Better connections for cyclists and pedestrians have been created in the scheme:

• In February 2021, the new Murdoch’s Connection footbridge was opened, linking the city centre to the marina, waterfront and fruit market. It crosses the dual carriageway of the A63, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the road, and aims to ease congestion on the A63.
• A new footbridge was opened over the A63 at Porter Street to pedestrians and cyclists in September 2022.

Supporting the wider community

As well as improving connections in Hull city centre, engaging with the next generation is an ongoing priority for the A63 project. Together, National Highways and Balfour Beatty is promoting the variety of job roles within the construction sector and specific upcoming local jobs and training opportunities on the project itself.

To date, the scheme has directly engaged with more than 18,000 students in Hull and East Yorkshire through events such as Humber STEM at Craven Park Stadium, extensive work experience opportunities, career fairs and workshops.

Archaeology

Finally, the project team is still working with key partners on the conclusion of the extensive on-site archaeology work at the 18th century Trinity Burial Ground. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/a63-castle-street-archaeology/

Find out more

You can find out more about the scheme on the dedicated A63 Castle Street web page.

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Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

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