Drypool Bridge

Refurbishment and Strengthening of the Existing Structure.

Overview

MCA is appointed as lead consultant for the urgent refurbishment and strengthening of Drypool Bridge, a complex category 3 marine moving structure in Hull.

The project followed deterioration identified during MCA’s routine six-month inspections and required rapid mobilisation under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract.

MCA are providing full multidisciplinary services, including NEC4 Project Manager and Supervisor roles, engineering design and stakeholder coordination.

Challenges and Solutions

• Structural Complexity and Urgency: significant deterioration was found in the east fixed span and moving span connections. Our inspections triggered urgent intervention, with strengthening and repainting works delivered under a fast-tracked ECI contract.
• Marine Licensing and MMO Engagement: We liaised early with the Marine Management Organisation and Environment Agency to confirm permit requirements and streamline approvals. We advised splitting the application into two phases: above-deck works and desilting, enabling an earlier site start.
• Stakeholder Coordination: we facilitated meetings with MMO, Hull County Council senior leadership, and contractors to resolve delays and secure permits. Our proactive engagement is ensuring timely progress and reduced risk.
• Traffic and Programme Management: the scheme requires full and partial road closures, coordinated with other city projects. Our involvement in liaison meetings and regular programme reviews ensures minimal disruption and effective sequencing.
• Local Expertise: Our familiarity with the river, contractors, and permitting processes enables rapid mobilisation and cost-effective delivery of site investigations and sampling.

MCA's Contribution

We are acting as NEC4 Project Manager, Supervisor, and delegated Service Manager during the ECI phase, providing engineering design, site investigations, principal designer, and quantity surveying services. All roles are delivered by our in-house teams, including NEC-accredited staff. We are leading the development of the project scope, programme, pricing, and method statements, enabling a two-stage contract strategy. Our local knowledge and existing relationships with contractors and regulators allow us to undertake silt sampling and site coordination swiftly, reducing permitting delays. Our quality management system ensures robust contract oversight and seamless delivery across disciplines.

Results

• Permits were secured efficiently, allowing works to commence earlier than anticipated.
• Our contract management and stakeholder engagement reduces risk and improves programme certainty.
• The project demonstrates our ability to lead complex marine infrastructure schemes with urgency, precision, and collaborative delivery.