Great Yarmouth's third river crossing will be tested, aligned and resurfaced as works progress.

The ongoing development, which began in January 2021, is scheduled to open later this year.

Recently named in a public poll, the Herring Bridge reached a major milestone in March as its two 700-tonne bascule leaves were shipped from Belgium and installed at the site. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Herring Bridge's second leaf bascule being tugged down the River Yare. Picture - Luke Martin PhotographyThe Herring Bridge's second leaf bascule being tugged down the River Yare. Picture - Luke Martin Photography (Image: Luke Martin Photography)

Hundreds of people gathered at viewing points on either side of the River Yare to witness the leaves' installation.

Since then, the electrical and hydraulic systems have been installed. And from 8am on Tuesday, April 18, part of the River Yare will be closed while engineers test the bridge systems and deck alignment. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The first leaf section of the bridge dangling. Picture - Sonya DuncanThe first leaf section of the bridge dangling. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Works will also be carried out on the bridge deck, including road surfacing. Part of the River Yare will remain closed for 72 hours.

Next week, final touches will be made to the surface and lining on South Denes Road will begin. Closures to that stretch of road will be in effect for three weekends, starting Friday, April 14.

A new traffic signal-controlled junction will also be installed in the area.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The eastern leaf of the bridge as the Matador 3 elevated it from the barge. Picture - Sonya DuncanThe eastern leaf of the bridge as the Matador 3 elevated it from the barge. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)
Work has also recently started to prepare the A47 Harfreys roundabout. Work will include the installation of a new toucan crossing to improve footway/cycle links between the new third river crossing and Harfreys Industrial Estate.

The third river crossing will link the A47 at Harfrey’s roundabout to the port and the enterprise zone via South Denes Road on the other side of the River Yare.

It is hoped the bridge will cut journey times and boost the economy - but it could also see the axing of Gorleston Fire Station, which will be only minutes away from the one in Friar's Lane on the other side of the River Yare when the bridge opens later this summer.