New bridge in Hull swings into action
Date uploaded: July 17, 2013
An innovative swing bridge over the River Hull has opened to the public, offering pedestrians the unique experience of riding on the bridge as it opens and closes to river traffic, a World’s first.
The black steel bridge has a distinctive robust character and curving form, making it a memorable landmark that is unique to Hull and its industrial and maritime heritage.
McDowell+Benedetti architects submitted the winning entry in an international 3-stage design competition held in 2005. The bridge has been built to the original concept by the competition team, McDowell+Benedetti, structural engineers Alan Baxter Associates and main contractor and M&E engineers Qualter Hall.
Located in Kingston upon Hull east of Hull city centre the bridge connects Hull’s Old Town Conservation Area to the undeveloped industrial landscape of the east bank. The bridge provides a walkable route connecting the Museums Quarter on the west bank to Hull’s major attraction The Deep.
The bridge’s sweeping form creates two generous pedestrian routes, one gently sloping and a shorter stepped walkway. The central structural spine of the bridge includes seating areas, creating a variety of places for people to pause on route to relax and enjoy the riverscape views.
Artist Nayan Kulkarni has created a public artwork on the bridge, a sonic landscape in which to enjoy the riverscape, which switches to rhythmic bells and combines with pulsing lights to alert pedestrians to the bridge’s imminent opening.
