RNLI crew visits Great Yarmouth's third river crossing

RNLI volunteers and management visited Great Yarmouth's Herring Bridge on Friday to gain reference points during rescue operations.

It was determined that the lifeboat's inshore vessel would be able to clear the underneath of the bridge, but currently, its offshore lifeboat would require an emergency lift to pass.

The view from the Herring Bridge's control tower. Picture - RNLI (Image: RNLI)During the site visit, six crew members were also shown around the near-finished development site, which RNLI Captain Lindsay Wigmore said was "an incredible feat of engineering".

Captain Lindsey Wigmore. Picture - RNLI (Image: RNLI)"We had a great first impression," he said.

"From the control tower, you can see a far distance down the river both ways. The work that has gone into the project is fantastic.

"The personnel onboard the bridge were very welcoming. We are very grateful to get a glimpse of it in action."

A view of the raised bridge leaf from the control tower. Picture - RNLI (Image: RNLI)

The £121m bridge project - which will connect 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 - started construction in February 2021.

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said they are still waiting for confirmation on the operational date of the bridge.

A view of the engineering of the Herring Bridge. Picture - RNLI (Image: RNLI)The completed road leading to the Herring Bridge. Picture - RNLI (Image: RNLI)