BAM Farrans Joint Venture Install Bridge Leaves at Herring Bridge in Great Yarmouth

A major civil engineering operation has been completed in Great Yarmouth, with bridge leaves for  Herring Bridge leaves successfully installed by BAM Farrans Joint Venture. Delivered for Norfolk County Council, the bridge will be open to the public during the summer of 2023.
 

Two bridge “leaves” were installed during a 72-hour river possession which started on 21st March.

Each huge leaf weighs 770 tonnes and measures 45m by 24m. The East leaf was installed during the first 24 hours followed by the West, with both of the leaves successfully raised to the open position on Thursday.      

When both leaves are up there will be a 50m channel between the two bascule chambers for passing river traffic. 
 

The construction stage started in January 2021 with the accommodation, enabling and demolition works. This was followed by marine works and construction of the approach embankments which support two underpasses and the bascule 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 will ease traffic congestion on the town’s roads, shorten journey times and improve journey reliability, and support wider plans to maximise investment, regeneration and economic growth opportunities in the town and wider borough.