‘Much safer way of crossing’ – new walkway beneath the A63 in Hull to be opened to pedestrians

A greatly improved pedestrian walkway at High Street in Hull is set to open from Monday, April 29, marking the latest improvement for National Highways’ A63 Castle Street Scheme.

As of next week, people will be able to walk down to High Street using the fully-lit new walkway, which passes under the A63. It is another step forward in the £355m project to improve safety and create better connections in the area and joins other landmark pedestrian bridges - Porter Street bridge and Murdoch’s Connection.

To access the new route, pedestrians should look out for the King Billy statue. From here, people can simply walk down to High Street on the new walkway, which has been built in front of the Magistrates’ Court.

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The route will provide better connections to the eastern end of the Castle Street scheme, between the Old Town and Fruit Market along with improved pedestrian access to Hull’s landmark aquarium, The Deep. Frances Oliver, National Highways senior project manager, said: “The new route provides a much safer way of crossing at this point in the road.

“We have worked closely with Hull City Council to provide a more accessible, well-lit walkway, which takes people away from the busy junction at Market Place.” Garry Taylor, Hull’s assistant director of major projects, culture and place, said: “We have worked in close partnership with National Highways to help them deliver this new accessible, safe, and secure walkway. We hope residents and visitors alike will reap the benefits of this improved route.”

Access for cyclists to connect to and use the route will be delivered later this year with new toucan crossings at Market Place and Queen Street. The current crossings at both these locations will be removed.

When the new underpass is open, the traffic signals at the Market Place and Queen Street pedestrian crossings will be permanently removed as part of the new road design. More information and updates are available at the dedicated A63 Castle Street web page.