Work gets into the swing for new landmark footbridge over river

A SWINGING footbridge that will form an iconic landmark over the River Hull is starting to take shape as engineers start fixing it together.

Bridge construction specialists from Qualter Hall have taken 15 giant sections of the bridge by road from their factory in Barnsley and are assembling it on site. Traffic on the river will be suspended for three days when it is fitted into place by a floating crane.

Based on a concept by award-winning architects McDowell and Benedetti, whose landmark schemes include Castleford Bridge over the River Aire, the structure will allow pedestrians to "ride" on the bridge as it swings open for boats. A new circular structure on the West Bank will also house a bistro offering diners views along the river.

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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.

Senior development manager at project managers Hull Forward Tim Wigglesworth said: "Onlookers can expect to see it coming together over the next few weeks as more pieces continue to arrive.

"We're just about to appoint the sub-contractors for both

the east and west bank of the footbridge."