‘Bridge to nowhere’ finally to swing into action in spring

The £7m structure, built by contractors from Barnsley-based firm Qualter Hall, was lifted into place by a special 1,200-tonne crane at the weekend.

Originally scheduled to open in 2010, the bridge has suffered a series of delays because of funding problems.

Based on a concept by architects McDowell and Benedetti, who built the award-winning Castleford Bridge over the River Aire, it is expected to become a visitor attraction in its own right and will feature eye-catching lighting displays.

It will be the first bridge of its kind in the UK to allow people to remain on it as it swings.

The bridge has already been dubbed “the bridge to nowhere” as it was intended to link to a £100m development on the east bank known as the Boom, featuring flats, offices, shops and restaurants, but that project also fell victim to funding cuts.

Hull Council said yesterday work was expected to be finished in March, with the opening in May, to allow landscaping on both banks to be completed.

The council blamed the delays on the restructuring of public sector bodies with the economic downturn, as well as extreme weather and “extra work needed to prepare the ground”, but said there had been no extra cost to the public purse.

The council defended its construction saying it would make the area more attractive to developers. It said the way the contract was drawn up meant any delays “will be at the cost of the developer.”