The British government has approved funding of £98 million for Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, a 'nationally significant infrastructure project'.

This follows the Planning Inspectorate’s decision in September to grant Norfolk County Council development consent for the construction, operation and maintenance of the new opening bridge across the River Yare in Great Yarmouth.

Stimulating growth in the port and seaside town

The 50m clear span twin bascule bridge and its approach roads will provide a new link across the river, alleviating congestion, reducing journey times and stimulating growth in both the port and the seaside town. The scheme is estimated to cost £121 million.

The detailed design for the Norfolk County Council project is being delivered by ROD, Hardesty & Hanover [H&H], who are global experts in moveable bridges, and Proworks, a Norfolk-based architecture firm. The design is for a construction joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Farrans Construction.

Jim Thorpe, ROD director and lead of our UK office, said: “I am delighted that the project team has achieved this significant milestone and that we have contributed our expertise in the planning and design of UK highway infrastructure.”

Graham Plant, deputy leader at Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news and means we can now make this much-needed bridge a reality. 

Key industries

"Not only will it make getting around so much easier for many people currently living and working in the borough but, crucially, it will support the town’s key industries, including those linked to offshore energy and maritime sectors, tourism and manufacturing.”

Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, said: “This is excellent news. The Third River Crossing will be transformational for the whole of the Borough of Great Yarmouth, significantly improving traffic flows, which will help residents and visitors to get around. The improved traffic flow will also bring meaningful benefits to local businesses, especially those in the energy sector.”

The detailed design is currently being finalised for construction by the multidisciplinary design team based out of Dublin and Otley (ROD), New York (H&H), and Norwich (Proworks). BAM Farrans JV is preparing to start construction in January 2021. The opening of the scheme to traffic is planned for early 2023.