Two 770-tonne bridge leaves have been installed during a major 72-hour civil engineering operation in Great Yarmouth.
The works are part of the ongoing construction of Herring Bridge. The project is being delivered by BAM Farrans for Norfolk County Council.
The leaves, measuring 45m by 24m, each had an additional 500 tonnes of concrete to create the counterweight.
After installation of the east and west leaves in the closed position, both were raised to the open position last week.
When both leaves are raised there will be 50m of navigable channel between the two bascule chambers.
Easing traffic in Great Yarmouth
The construction of Herring Bridge 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 bridge.
Once complete, the local road network will be upgraded with a five-arm roundabout and dual carriageway.
The bridge will link the A47 at Harfrey’s roundabout to the port and the enterprise zone on the other side of the river. It is expected to improve traffic conditions and support investment in the area.
The bridge is scheduled to open to the public in summer 2023.
