Work is due to begin early next year on the Princes Quay bridge in Hull after planning permission was granted by Hull City Council.

Highways England has announced that the bridge, which will link the marina with the southern end of Princes Dock, is expected to be finished by Easter 2017.

The £11.5 million bridge is being part-funded by Highways England, with a £4 million contribution awarded to Hull City Council by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.

Archaeological work will begin on the site later this year to prepare for construction work next year.

The bridge is being delivered as an early phase of a major project by Highways England to upgrade the A63.

The 1 mile scheme in Hull city centre aims to improve journey times with a proposed new junction at Mytongate and two new pedestrian bridges over the road, including the Princes Quay bridge.

Highways England is continuing to work on the development consent order application for the main scheme alongside traffic and environmental assessments.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

“It’s great news that Highways England will be able to construct the Princes Quay bridge in advance of the main Castle Street scheme and in time for Hull’s term as the European City of Culture.

The Government is investing a record £1.3 billion in roads across Yorkshire and the Humber over the next five years as part of its long-term economic plan. Schemes like these will help build the Northern Powerhouse and create more jobs and opportunities for hardworking people across the region.”