Tomorrow morning sees a landmark day in the construction of Great Yarmouth's £121m third river crossing.

From 8am preparations will start to lift the first section of the bridge into place.

A giant crane, the Dutch Matador 3, will be used in the operation, that will also see the second span put into place over a 72-hour period.

The second bridge section and crane arrived in the town over the weekend, with the first bascule leaf arriving earlier in the month.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The giant crane in the outer harbour Picture: Luke Martin PhotographyThe giant crane in the outer harbour Picture: Luke Martin Photography (Image: Luke Martin Photography)

Malcolm McAllister, community engagement manager for BAM Farrans, the joint venture contractor delivering the scheme on behalf of Norfolk County Council, said: “The second bridge leaf safely arrived in the port on Saturday morning and the floating crane arrived Sunday, where it was moored in the outer harbour overnight before being transported to the site, ready for installation works to begin.

"The installation of both bridge leaves is scheduled to commence from 8am on Tuesday under a 72 hour possession.

"The exact timings will be subject to weather conditions at the time."

Public viewing areas will be established on either side of the River Yare on Bollard Quay opposite Queen Anne’s Road on the western side of the river and by the newly constructed junction off South Denes Road to the east.

The crossing is to be called the Herring Bridge after a public vote.

Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: “I’m delighted to see the crane and bridge leaves all safely arrive and look forward to seeing the installation take shape in what will be a historic week for Great Yarmouth.

“I am confident the completion of this long-awaited new bridge will bring real economic benefit to our region and full credit to BAM Farrans for keeping us on track to reach this key milestone."