Government confirms start date for work to begin on Castle Street in Hull

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said there were still a number of “technical issues” to resolve - including relocating 19,000 bodies from an old cemetery on Mytongate - before the plans get the final goahead.

In his letter to Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, Mr Grayling said the Highways England team “are currently working very closely with Hull City Council to address challenges.”

They include the location of construction site compounds, listed buildings requiring demolition, including the Earl de Grey pub and environmental impacts “particularly noise and air quality.”

They have to be addressed before a development consent order - the means of obtaining permission for developments categorised as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - can be submitted next summer, Mr Grayling said.

Dates for the start of work have consistently slipped, leading some to question whether the project will ever happen.

However Ms Hardy said she was determined to ensure the project goes ahead as scheduled.

She said: “After months of pressing the Government on this issue, I am delighted that the Transport Secretary has finally confirmed the date on which work will commence on the Castle Street Development.

“This is by no means the end of the road as there are still a number of challenges to be addressed.

“Constituents can rest assured that I will continue to press Highways England, Hull City Council and the Government to make sure that the project is delivered to the time-frame that has been agreed.”

Coun Mancey said “Emma and I are both determined that there will be no more slippage on the programmes for delivering the bridge and the main scheme, and we are working very closely together to ensure the dates confirmed by the Secretary of State are adhered to.”

The scheme involves lowering a section of the A63 Castle Street by around seven metres and elevating Ferensway/Commercial Road by around a metre so they cross over the A63 in a new bridge in a bid to cut traffic congestion and improve access to the port.