THOUSANDS of drivers brace for chaos as a major A-road is set to close this weekend.
The popular stretch, used by countless motorists every day, is undergoing a huge restructuring – and National Highways has already apologised for the disruption.
Huge roadworks will take place on the A63 in Hull this weekend[/caption]
National Highways has released a series of diversion maps for drivers[/caption]
Part of the A63 in Hull city centre will be completely blocked from 8pm on Friday until 6am on Monday.
Drivers will still be able to get to city centre parks, retail and leisure facilities but they will have to find alternative routes that avoid Castle Street.
The renovation project will include pumping 1,2000 cubic metres of concrete onto the road to form an underpass.
Heavy machinery will be trundling to and from the underpass as the new base is constructed, forcing the area to be closed off to all road users.
With the roadworks requiring large loud equipment, National Highways have issued an apology ahead of the commotion, warning “disturbance is unfortunately unavoidable.”
This “huge task” will force drivers to divert from the A-road as both directions between Daltry Street and Roger Milard Way will be closed for all vehicles.
Concrete will be siphoned into Castle Street all weekend to create a new split-level junction with Ferensway and Commercial Road crossing over the A63.
Despite the short-term disruption, the project should improve connections between the city centre and tourist facilities after it’s completion.
For Castle Street commuters, National Highways has released a series of diversion maps on their website to allow motorists to plan their routes.
The eye-watering £355million project, which started five years ago, is set to be fully complete by Spring 2026.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We’ll be pumping more than 1,200 cubic metres of concrete, which is a huge task, with pumps running for the full weekend.
“Machinery will also be needed across both carriageways as we construct the base for the new electronic signage.
“Routes to city centre parks, retail and leisure facilities will still be available.
“Drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
“During the weekend, we’ll also complete some key areas of work throughout the scheme, including works on the A63 main carriageway close to some residential areas.
“The equipment we use means that some disturbance is unfortunately unavoidable, but we’ll make every effort to minimise noise caused by the activity.
“We’re sorry for any disruption during this complex phase of the scheme.”
This comes as drivers using the M25 have been warned to reconsider their routes as a major section of Britain’s busiest motorway is set to close.
National Highways warned that Junction 10 is to shut from 9pm on Friday, March 7, and won’t open again until 6am on Monday, March 10.
The closure will allow for the completion of a number of works on the junction that are expected to be finished this year – including the demolition and removal of old bridges.
Drivers travelling into London and the surrounding areas have been urged to plan their journeys in advance, as well as allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements.
DIVERSIONS FOR CYCLISTS
National Highways says:
Cyclists are currently prohibited from using the A63 while work is ongoing along the route.
We encourage cyclists to use the current cycle/footpath from Daltry Street flyover and exit at Porter Street to access one of the existing routes in place on Hull City Council’s network.
Check routes on the Travel Hull cycle map If travelling from the opposite side, check the map for the closest routes.
