A MAJOR road bridge in East Yorkshire is set to close to traffic for almost a day before it can reopen this weekend.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council say that Boothferry Bridge, on the road between Howden and Goole, will reopen to two-way traffic this weekend (July 23 and 24).

The bridge is currently undergoing major improvement works as part of an East Riding of Yorkshire Council scheme. Traffic lights on site allow only one-way travel over the bridge while the work is carried out.

From Saturday (July 23) the traffic lights will be removed to give vehicles free movement over the bridge.

But first, in order for the lights to be removed, the bridge will need to be temporarily closed to all traffic from 10am on Friday until 6am on Saturday, when it will reopen.

The council says the closure is necessary for repairs to the road to be carried out, in order for the bridge to reopen fully.

During the closure, there will be a temporary signed diversion via the M62 Ouse Bridge.

Major construction works to improve to Boothferry Bridge began in November. They will continue after this weekend, with the bridge open.

The work has involved the reconstruction of two approach footpaths, the replacement of timber footpaths, installing a new traffic barrier system, replacements of joints and other items, and general improvements to maintain the bridge.

Councillor Chris Matthews, the council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “We will be taking away the traffic lights off Boothferry Bridge to allow free movement of vehicles from this coming weekend, which we hope will improve the traffic situation greatly.

“Our engineers haven’t been able to remove the lights until this coming weekend as vital work was being completed, and I want to thank motorists for bearing with us.

“The work on Boothferry Bridge is extremely important, as it will make sure it is in good working order for years to come.”