Opening date at last for £7m swing bridge

The landmark £7m swing bridge across the River Hull was originally scheduled to open in 2010 but has been beset by delays.

It will now open to the public next Wednesday, initially swinging only for shipping movements, before its official launch on June 28, Hull Council said.

Based on a concept by architects McDowell and Benedetti, who built the award-winning Castleford Bridge over the River Aire, it will be the first in the UK to allow people to remain on it as it swings and will also house a bistro, feature lighting displays and open to the sound of a waterfall.

Graham Hall, the council’s assistant head of service for streetscene, said: “From its official launch on 28 June the bridge will begin full use, including the sound, light and art experience, and will be swung on identified days for people to ride.”