Herring Bridge opening date revealed

Norfolk County Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the new Herring Bridge in Great Yarmouth is scheduled for Thursday 1 February.

Final plans and timings for the launch will be announced in the coming days, with time for the public to take a walk on the bridge following the official proceedings, ahead of the road being fully open to traffic later that afternoon.

Local residents are being given the chance to enter into a draw to be among the first people to travel across the new bridge riding aboard the famous seafront road train. Residents can apply for tickets by emailing 'Herring Express' to Gy3rc@norfolk.gov.uk stating:

• Their name and address
• How many tickets they require
• The names of all passengers in their party
• Any special access requirements

Tickets are limited to a maximum of six per family and one entry per household.

Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: "I am thrilled that we now have a date for the official opening of Herring Bridge. The bridge will be an important link between Great Yarmouth and Gorleston which will improve links through the area, transform travel across the town and provide a massive economic boost to our region."

Councillor Penny Carpenter, Mayor of Great Yarmouth, said: "This has been an amazing project with the local community showing real interest, from helping to choose the name for the new bridge to now having the opportunity to be some of the first to use it.

"The Great Yarmouth land train is a popular local attraction, so it only seems right it is one of the very first vehicles to make its way across Herring Bridge."

Motorists are advised that access to William Adams Way from the A47 at Harfreys roundabout is likely to be closed to through traffic while the event takes place. Anyone traveling to the area to watch the proceedings is advised to use public transport or travel on foot where possible.

The competition will close at midnight on Sunday 28 January and successful entrants will be contacted the following day.