Bridge to close for major refurbishment work

Boothferry Bridge, which carries the A614 over the River Ouse between Goole and Howden, will be shut from Monday, February 21, to allow renewal of its swing operating system, repairs to its supporting columns, some road work and painting. Shipping, which has an historic right of way through the bridge, will be unaffected, but motorists will be directed onto a short diversionary route over the M62 Ouse Bridge.

Non-motorway traffic such as farm vehicles will be diverted along the principal road network using the B1228, A63 and A19 to Selby, returning by the A1041 and A645.

Pedestrians will be assisted by the provision of an additional bus that will ensure existing services – the 156, 160 and 162 between Goole and Howden – are maintained with additional stops at either side of the bridge.

A revised timetable has been agreed with bus operator East Yorkshire Motor Services which will shortly be displayed in buses on the route.

East Riding Council said it would make arrangements for cyclists and moped riders to be transported over the Ouse Bridge at regular intervals.

Similar measures are also planned for the safe transport of school children who normally walk or cycle between Goole and Howden.

The council said most of the work would be carried out on a 24-hour basis to keep disruption to a minimum.

The bridge, which was built in the late 1920s to replace the ferry across the river, is a steel structure comprising six main spans.

These include a large swing span that swings open over the northern river bank to allow shipping through.

Details of the scheme and measures to accommodate users will be published on the council's website.

This can be accessed on http://www.eastriding.gov.uk