Excitement rises as official opening of Herring Bridge draws near

Anticipation is building as the official grand opening of the Herring Bridge in Great Yarmouth approaches.

Norfolk County Council is thrilled to announce additional details surrounding the grand opening ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday February 1 at 11am to celebrate this historic milestone for the town.

The ceremony will be attended by local dignitaries and invited guests with a blessing by Revd Canon Simon Ward, Rector of Great Yarmouth followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by MP Brandon Lewis.

Following this, a countdown from the control tower will see the bridge leaves lowered and a procession of vehicles, including classic cars from East Coast Pirates, emergency services, local hauliers and contractors involved in the project's delivery, along with residents with winning tickets to ride the famous Great Yarmouth road train, will make the first trip across Herring Bridge.

Two wheeled vehicles will also make up part of the convoy, including Ginger e-scooters, motorbikes and members from local scooter and cycling clubs, as well as local running club and pupils from nearby schools.

Guests of honour include those who suggested the winning name and a 105 year old local resident who attended the opening of Haven Bridge in 1930, along with representatives from a host of local organisations. Some will make their first journey across the bridge on foot, with others riding in a First Bus double decker.

There will be no access on the main bridge for the general public during the opening ceremony. However, after the procession Cllr Penny Carpenter, Mayor of Great Yarmouth, will cut the ribbons on each side of the bridge to welcome all local residents onto the bridge for the first time, with music provided by Harbour Radio.

In the early afternoon the bridge will be cleared to allow the leaves to be raised once more for lifeboat crews and a host of local vessels to pass through with the Lydia Eva, Great Yarmouth's last remaining Herring Boat, as the grand finale of the ceremony.

Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said: "The Herring Bridge is a state-of-the-art infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing traffic congestion and is a prime example of the economic development happening in Great Yarmouth. I'm really looking forward to the Herring Bridge grand opening and sharing this historic moment with everyone who has been involved in the project."

Rt Hon Sir Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, said: "The Third River Crossing represents one of the single largest investments by national and local government into Great Yarmouth for decades. Its opening has been long awaited and will have a real impact on the town. Our borough and town are restricted by geography, but this crossing demonstrates once again the power of human engineering and ingenuity.

"I am proud to have worked with colleagues across Norfolk and Great Yarmouth Borough Council to bring this vital infrastructure project to completion, and I look forward to seeing residents, businesses and tourists benefiting for generations."

Motorists are advised that William Adams Way will be closed to through traffic between A47 Harfrey's roundabout and Beccles Rd/ Southtown Rd junction between 9am to 3pm 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.

Please note that filming of the event will be taking place and by attending the event the public consent to having their image recorded.