NETWORK Rail picked the run-up to Christmas to replace a railway bridge that crosses a main Hull road after taking advice by the council, it has emerged.
Motorists and traders have suffered months of disruption as the company seeks to replace the structure in Spring Bank West in west Hull.
In October, it was announced the road will be closed from December 17 through until the new year.
Now, Network Rail – facing fresh criticism for the timing of the works – say they were advised by the local authority to carry out the work over "the Christmas period".
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We have been in long dialogue with Hull City Council.
"We recognise this work is going to be disruptive.
"But they (the council) are the highways experts. We said we needed access, they agreed to work with us.
"It was felt that the roads would be a lot quieter over Christmas."
Asked by the Mail what action would have been taken had the council advised them to delay work until after the Christmas rush, the spokeswoman said: "We would have negotiated."
In response, a Hull City Council spokeswoman confirmed its highways team had suggested the work is carried out over Christmas.
However, she stressed the local authority did not provide Network Rail exact dates of when the work should be carried out.
Peter Shipp, chairman and chief executive of bus firm EYMS, said: "It's a bit vague, but to me, the 'Christmas period' is Christmas Eve until the New Year.
"Network Rail obviously has other ideas."
Mr Shipp expects services to be delayed.
He said: "These works are going to cause big delays.
"It's unfortunate the work has to take place two weeks before Christmas when the roads are going to be busy.
"EYMS tried to get the work moved, but were told this was not possible."
Ian Blowman, who owns the Upholstery Designs furniture store close to the bridge, agreed that the road closure could not happen at a worse possible time.
He said: "It's going to be an absolute nightmare and Network Rail and Hull City Council are just passing the buck.
"Every customer who comes in through the door is talking the disruption caused by these works."
Work to reinforce the abutments and replace the old railway bridge began earlier in the summer.
Temporary traffic lights and road closures have already caused disruption for commuters, residents and businesses in the area.
Work was put back by two water leaks during Hull Fair.
As a result, Network Rail has allowed engineer Murphys extra time to replace the bridge.
The Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We apologise for the disruption caused by the work, but at the end of it Hull will have a bridge that will be fit for 125 years.
"It should not need any maintenance at all for the next 25 years.
"There is never a good time to carry out this kind of work. We have to take the best advice available."
