Great Yarmouth’s Third River Crossing, Herring Bridge, is one of Norfolk’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent years and it was delivered by BAM Farrans Joint Venture.
Client
Norfolk County Council
The Project
The construction stage started in January 2021 with the accommodation, enabling and demolition works. This was followed by the in river marine works and construction of the approach embankments which support two underpasses and the bascule bridge (opening bridge). The local road network has been upgraded with a five-arm roundabout and dual carriageway.
The bridge links the A47 at Harfrey’s roundabout to the port and the enterprise zone on the other side of the river. It has eased traffic congestion on the town’s roads, shortening journey times and improving journey reliability, as well as supporting wider plans and work to maximise investment, regeneration and economic growth opportunities in the town and wider borough.
Services & Expertise
The complex project involved in-river marine works and the construction of the approach embankments, which support two underpasses and the bascule bridge. Nearby, the local road network has been upgraded with a five-arm roundabout and dual carriageway. The scheme was delivered in a live and operational marine port, with commercial and residential properties along the approaches to the river crossing. An extensive stakeholder engagement campaign was managed throughout this project to ensure minimal disruption to local residents and businesses.
The bridge’s two leaves were manufactured in Belgium and shipped to Great Yarmouth by barge, as opposed to being manufactured in parts and welded together on site. This approach improved the finished quality, as it was completed in a controlled environment. It also increased the safety of the project team by removing risks associated with on-site construction.
One of the features that made this project truly special was that a twin bascule bridge, of such size and scale, is not common in the UK. This bridge has been designed to ensure minimal disruption to highway traffic and river traffic, so it opens and closes within 90 seconds, twenty-plus times per day.
We placed social impact at the heart of this project by investing almost £20m in local economic value, engaging with schools and colleges for site visits and workshops and creating local employment opportunities. We know that this will leave a positive legacy for many years to come.
Awards
2024
- Bronze at The CCS National Awards.
- Road Bridge of the Year at NCE Bridges Awards.
- Highly commended certificate at the British Construction Industry Awards in the Transport Project of the Year category.
- GB &ROI Construction Project of the Year above £100m at the CEF awards.
- Major Project Award at the Highways Awards.
- Special Merit Award at the Highways Awards.