Great Yarmouth third crossing second section being lifted

The western side of the lifting bridge is being put in position by a giant crane. 

Today's complex operation follows yesterday's placing of the first bascule leaf section over the River Yare off South Denes Road on the east side of the river.

The second bascule leaf section is being installed over the River Yare Picture: Anthony Carroll (Image: Anthony Carroll)

After the first section was placed it was surrounded last night by concrete to act as ballast and a similar operation will be carried out for the second section.

Both leaves arrived on barges from Belgium, with the Matador 3 crane coming from Rotterdam.

Just like Tuesday, people gathered in two public viewing areas to watch the second section edge its way slowly towards its permanent home.

A crowd watches the second bridge span lifted into place Picture: Anthony Carroll (Image: Anthony Carroll)

Malcolm McAllister, Community Engagement Manager for BAM Farrans, the joint venture contractor delivering the scheme on behalf of Norfolk County Council said:

“We are delighted with the progress being made at this key stage of the project and everything is currently on track to reopen the river by Friday morning.

"The second bridge leaf has now been safely installed and by the end of Thursday the crane will have lifted both leaves into the open position where they will remain for the coming weeks.”

A 500 tonne concrete pour to create the counterbalance for the eastern leaf was completed through the night and a further 500 tonnes of concrete will also be poured into the western bascule chamber but this won’t take place until after the river reopens as the 72 hour window only allows enough time for one concrete pour to set.

Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: “I’m delighted to see both leaves safely installed in this historic week for Great Yarmouth."

Work had been halted on the construction project last month following the discovery of a 250kg unexploded bomb.

The bridge project is led by Norfolk County Council, with BAM Farrans, the joint venture contractor, delivering the scheme on behalf of the local authority.

A crowd watches the second bridge span lifted into place Picture: Anthony Carroll (Image: Anthony Carroll)