River closure planned when new footbridge is hoisted into position

Bridge construction specialists at Barnsley firm Qualter Hall are transporting 15 giant sections of the bridge by road from their factory in South Yorkshire, and plan to have all the pieces at the site by the middle of July.

The date of the three-day closure has yet to be confirmed but is expected to start on August 10 when a floating crane will come up river..

The bridge will not only open a new pedestrian route between Hull's Old Town and the East Bank, but it could become a visitor attraction in its own right.

Based on a concept by award-winning architects McDowell and Benedetti – whose landmark schemes include Castleford Bridge over the River Aire – the structure will offer pedestrians the chance to "ride" on the bridge as it swings open for boats.

A 16-metre diameter circular structure on the West Bank will also house a bistro offering diners stunning views.

The bridge will have eye-catching lighting displays, and more than 600 different sounds linked to music will be played at various times, with the opening sequence set to the sound of a waterfall.