Third River Crossing to become a reality
Government funding for the lifting bridge has now been approved
£98 million in government funding has been approved for Norfolk County Council's application to built and operate a new lifting bridge across the River Yare in Great Yarmouth.
The Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing will link the A47 at Harfrey's roundabout to the port and enterprise zone on the other side of the river.
It's hoped the bridge will ease traffic congestion, shorten journey times and improve journey reliability.
The project will cost around £121 million overall with the remainder of the money needed coming from local sources.
Construction is due to begin early next year with the bridge open for use in early 2023.
Cllr Graham Plant, Deputy Leader at both 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. 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 the offshore energy and maritime sectors, tourism and manufacturing. This is more important than ever now as we seek to help Norfolk’s economy recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis CBE, 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. This improved traffic flow will also bring meaningful benefits to local businesses, especially those in the energy sector.”
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I’m pleased to see this step forward towards construction of the much-needed third crossing in Great Yarmouth. The crossing will open up key land for redevelopment, helping to maximise the potential of the harbour and the industries which it supports, particularly our world-leading energy sector.”