Sneak peek of Great Yarmouth's £121m Herring Bridge

Finishing touches are being made for the grand opening of Great Yarmouth’s £121m Third River Crossing - the Herring Bridge.

Construction began on January 4 2021, and a team of more than 300 people contributed to the project.

Bridge operators, James Fearon, left, and Mark Lamb, in the control tower at the Herring Bridge, Great Yarmouth. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)As the team behind the immense project carried out the final checks and preparations for Thursday's grand opening, we were given a sneak peek of the bridge and its control tower.

BAM Farrans Construction manager Richard Hayman said: "I am immensely proud of the team.

"While we have some issues along the way - which on a construction project of this complexity is understandable - the team has worked tirelessly day and night, and the challenges have led to brilliant rewards."

Construction manager, Richard Hayman, with the bridge controls in the control tower at the Herring Bridge, Great Yarmouth. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The Herring Bridge's opening has seen several delays over the past year, with the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb last February and the presence of a vole burrow in July pushing the opening back several months.

Mr Hayman dispelled rumours of further delays as the bridge did not accurately line up.

"I can confirm there have been no issues of that nature," Mr Hayman added. "The bridge was fitted perfectly. Additional nose plates have been added, but that was always part of the plan.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public, and we believe we have delivered a high quality service which will serve Great Yarmouth for many years to come."

In the control room two bridge operators are on duty all the time. All boats have to register two hours in advance of going under the new bridge - the only exception being lifeboats and emergency vessels.

It takes 90 seconds for the bridge sections to lift.

The Herring Bridge will open to the public on Thursday. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Milestone celebrations begin at 11am on Thursday in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including MP Sir Brandon Lewis, Rev Canon Simon Ward, and Great Yarmouth Borough Mayor Penny Carpenter.

A 105-year-old woman who was present at the opening of the Haven Bridge in 1930 will also be a guest of honour at the new bridge's grand opening.

While the bridge will be open to the public from Thursday afternoon, further landscaping, paving and the construction of a new flood wall on Bollard Quay will continue until summer.

Bollard Quay will be landscaped, paved and will have seating with river views. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

The bridge control panel at the Herring Bridge, Great Yarmouth. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The counterweight and rams which move the Herring Bridge leaf. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The river wall damaged by the second World War bomb that blew up during the construction of the Herring Bridge at Great Yarmouth. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Malcolm McAllister, community engagement, by the rams which move the Herring Bridge leaf. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)One of four trunnion hubs which take the weight, 1300 tons, of the Herring Bridge leaf. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)