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Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, visited the site of the National Highways A63 Castle Street Improvement on January 21 to see the progress being made and the difference the project is making to the local community.
Over the past few months, work has focused on removing various underground pipes in the path of the new infrastructure, continuing construction of the main underpass, and preparing for the installation of the Porter Street Bridge.
Frances Oliver, National Roads Project Manager, said:
Work is progressing extremely well and we are on track to install the new Porter Street pedestrian and bicycle bridge in a few months.
This significant upgrade is a great example of how building back better will support economic growth through infrastructure investments. The A63 Castle Street scheme will bring many benefits, not just to the people of Hull, but to the economy as a whole. This will reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and create better connections.
Ms Hardy also heard how National Highways and its delivery partner Balfour Beatty are creating a lasting legacy of ‘local first’, helping charities, businesses, suppliers, schools and colleges throughout the life of the program. .
The project engages with young people in employment and skills activities, promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as a career.
Staff engaged with over 1,700 people and provided STEM-based activities to over 200 local students from schools, colleges and the University of Hull, including a full day of activities for 45 students from a local school with special educational needs and disabilities.
The project team also participated in a pilot project on women in manufacturing and engineering to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM and recruit female apprentices from the region.
They have also raised money for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Anthony Nolan and DKMS, a blood cancer charity. In connection with this, they generated 65 new donor registrations in the stem cell registry. They also donated items to a local food bank and women’s shelter, as well as equipment and staff time for an episode of BBC’s DIY SOS.
Speaking after her visit, Ms Hardy said:
I was pleased to see the good progress being made on the site and to hear that the project is proceeding according to its original schedule. The improvements will make a huge difference to the area and National Highways’ continued commitment to expanding education opportunities and supporting local community groups is highly commendable.
The A63 Castle Street improvement began construction in 2020 and is due for completion in 2025. A new junction will be created by lowering the grade of the A63 at the Mytongate junction. Ferensway and Commercial Road will cross the A63, creating a two-tier junction. Between Princes Dock Street and Market Place, the eastbound carriageway will be widened to three lanes. A new bridge will be constructed over the A63 at Porter Street.
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