Council defends ‘urgent’ roadworks

There’s been criticism of Hull Council for closing Country Road North for seven weeks from yesterday to allow for strengthening work on a flyover.

But Coun Martin Mancey said the concrete structure had been weakened by use of salt in the winter, and there was a risk of chunks dropping onto the Hull to Bridlington and Scarborough line beneath - which would be their responsibility.

He said: “If a chunk of concrete dropped off on a train it could be a lot more serious than a bit of traffic congestion.”

The decision to close the flyover just before Hull Fair has also drawn criticism, but Coun Mancey said they couldn’t delay any longer because of the onset of frosty weather. Any later and traders would be asking why do the work in the run up to Christmas.

The council has suspended work on Chanterlands Avenue, where Northern Power Grid have been carrying out pre-arranged repairs to cables.

However roadworks continue on Bricknell Avenue, Thwaite Street, in Cottingham and Park Street.