Norfolk County Council in eastern England has begun consultation on transport plans for the borough of Great Yarmouth, including proposals for a third bridge over the River Yare.
The borough's population is expected to grow by 12,000 people over the 20-year life of the county's transportation strategy, driven by factors including regeneration of the town's waterfront areas, development of a fully operational EastPort outer harbour, more homes, jobs, shops and leisure facilities.
There is no immediate prospect of the Third River Crossing being funded through normal routes until 2018 or later. However, if built it would solve a number of problems at a stroke, said cabinet member for planning and transport Adrian Gunson. The bridge would divert about 15,000 vehicles a day from existing routes, which would take pressure off key roundabouts, ease congestion, provide a better route for heavy goods vehicles, open up areas for regeneration and benefit pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. "I should emphasise that all this could be achieved with no significant impact on the river port because the bridge would open to shipping on demand," he said. "However, it is also important to recognise that while a third river crossing may seem a panacea to Great Yarmouth's transport ills, it can only be built if money is available."
At US$132 million to US$165 million, a bridge is about half the cost of a tunnel and the construction time is put at two years, compared with three for a tunnel.
