Further delays at Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing

Norfolk County Council announced further delays to the opening of the £121m project, citing wet weather and revamp work at the new junction at the Harfrey's Industrial Estate as some of the reasons for the hold-up.

It is now expected to be open to road traffic sometime in 2024.

The Third River Crossing by Southtown Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The mammoth development, which had two prospective opening dates for March and the summer, also stalled in February due to the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb and in July due to the presence of a vole burrow.

"It's just more excuses," said Sarah Jean, who lives in front of the new Herring Bridge on Cromwell Road. "It's been going on for nearly three years, and we don't seem to be any further than we were months ago.

"And it's an eyesore when it's right in front of your house.

"It feels like the council should just get on with it rather than giving one excuse after another."

The Herring Bridge development seen from Cromwell Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Paul Smith said the delays have been disappointing.

"So many people have to put up with the building works and the continued traffic delays," he said.

"I really hope it works. Traffic is hopeless as it is.

"It would be good to see it in operation sooner than later."

Paul Smith and David Bland by the river Yare in Gorleston. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Fisherman Jon Abbott said he remains hopeful the bridge will help alleviate traffic buildup throughout the town, but it was understandable the development had hit snags along the way.

"We're in different times," he said.

Fisherman Jon Abbott said the delays to the Third River Crossing were understandable due to the economic climate. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"We're post-Covid and post-Brexit, so it's not been the ideal economic environment to build something of that size.

"I think the council is probably doing all it can."

'OPENING 2023'... A promotional notice for the Herring Bridge on Southtown Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Brian Weavers said it was a sad truth that delays were unavoidable.

"A lot of these projects get delays for one reason or another," said Mr Weavers.

"Just look at the market place.

"It will be good when it's done."

Brian Weavers by the river Yare in Gorleston. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Cromwell Road neighbour Abdel Abdelkadir said despite the delays, he was still looking forward to the project being done.

"I can't imagine how much work went into such a big engineering project," said Mr Abdelkadir.

"It finishes when it finishes."