Work on the third river crossing in Great Yarmouth has seen 'significant progress' over the past 12 months - with more milestones expected in the new year.

Among the jobs planned for the final six months of the £121m project are the arrival of the two main bridge leaves, the completion of the new roundabout and dualling of William Adams Way.

The bridge is expected to open early next summer.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The entrance to the Third River Crossing in Great Yarmouth visible from Southtown Road.The entrance to the Third River Crossing in Great Yarmouth visible from Southtown Road.

Tim Ellis, project manager at Norfolk County Council, said: “After undertaking most of the work below ground level during the first year, this second year has seen significant and highly visible development of major structures on both sides of the river and you can really start to get a feel for the alignment and scale of the new crossing."

Shortly after the new year, all major highway upgrade works along Southgates Road and South Denes Road will be completed, requiring the final road surface to be installed during spring.

Modification to Sutton Road and Swanston’s Road will include provisions for cycle routes and a change in direction to the current one-way systems.

The approach embankment and installation of a traffic-signalled junction which ties into South Denes Road will be complete. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Once completed, Great Yarmouth's Third River Crossing will help ease traffic congestion on the town's roads.

Works to William Adams Way, the approach embankment and Southtown Road Bridge will continue in 2023.

The new roundabout and associated pedestrian crossings are programmed to be open during the spring. 

At the same time, a large crane will install the two bridge leaves.

The control tower and plant rooms will be fitted out with hydraulic, electrical and mechanical equipment with Bollard Quay becoming a landscaped area for recreational use by the public.

The name of the new bridge will be announced in the spring.

So far, more than 300 names have been suggested by members of the public.

Once complete the third river crossing will link the A47 at Harfrey’s roundabout to the port and the enterprise zone via South Denes Road on the other side of the River Yare.

It is hoped the bridge will cut journey times and boost the economy - but it could also see the axing of Gorleston Fire Station which will be only minutes away from the one in Friar's Lane on the other side of the River Yare when the bridge opens.