Major component for Yarmouth's Herring Bridge on its way

The Herring Bridge has been closed since the end of last week after a technical glitch left the bridge stuck on Wednesday morning.

Engineers investigating the problems say 'false' signals are being sent to the control tower, informing operators the bridge is raised when it is not.

To fix it, they need a component which is being sent from Germany.

Norfolk County Council's transport leader Graham Plant said he hoped the £121m crossing will be open again on Tuesday - but nothing has yet been confirmed.

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)"I think on these measured projects - and considering each bridge leaf lifts 750 tonnes - you don't want that going wrong at the wrong time," he said.

"While it is inconvenient and it is frustrating, I would rather we got this right."

Mr Plant said the Herring Bridge's two closures since its grand opening on February 1 are part of a 'snagging' period.

He said contractors were assigned to the bridge for a year following its completion "so any of these faults can be ironed out by them at their cost - not to the ratepayers".

One bridge leaf was raised on Friday while investigations took place. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)"I'm glad we've got the experts and engineers on board during this snagging period and that it is not costing the ratepayers anything," he added. 

"Although it is frustrating it's not open when we want it to be, it's worth remembering the Herring Bridge will be the most used bridge by shipping as well. It will go up and down 20 to 30 times more than the Haven or the Breydon Bridge ever will.

"It is a working bridge and I think what we've built will see us through for many years."

One of the bridge leaves of the Herring Bridge was raised on Friday. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Mr Plant said the new Third River Crossing has "proved its worth already" with the relief to traffic across the town when it is operating correctly.

"I think it is something people will come to love," Mr Plant added. 

"Let's get these snags out the way, make sure it is working properly and have a great summer with it."

The bridge's construction was hit by delays and it broke down on its opening weekend.

In one memorable incident, swearing from staff in the control room was broadcast over the public address system to waiting motorists, leading to the crossing being dubbed the 'Swearing Bridge'.