Major works planned for Haven Bridge in Great Yarmouth

Haven Bridge in Great Yarmouth is set to undergo a series of maintenance and improvement works in early December to help ensure its longevity for the years ahead.

The works will see replacement of all barriers and modifying existing pedestrian railings to accommodate new barriers, repairs to the footways and parapet fencing, replacement of all timber blocks on the bridge deck where needed, and systems upgrades to ensure smoother bridge operation, along with annual general maintenance.

The bridge will remain open for pedestrian use throughout the works but to allow work to be carried out safely the bridge will be closed to all cars and other motorised vehicles for 12 days from 5am on Monday 1 December until midnight on Friday 12 December. On the 10 and 11 of December both footways will be closed for test lifts, but a mini bus shuttle service will be provided free of charge with signed pick up points.

Cllr Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure said:

Haven Bridge is nearly 100 years old and requires continual maintenance and improvement to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.

While previously these works may have been done at different times, the availability of the fantastic new Herring Crossing, means we can now close it for an extended period to get multiple works completed in one go. This reduces our costs and limits further disruption for the travelling public.

Carrying out these works early in December also means we're avoiding the busy summer season which is so crucial to the town's economy and also avoids the two weeks directly before Christmas.

These works will cost £118,000 to deliver and will be carried out by Norfolk County Council's Infrastructure Department and their contractors.

The County Council thanks people for their patience whilst works are completed.