Thirs river crossing latest

A PREFERRED option for a third river crossing could be put forward next year. Norfolk County Council spent £75,000 on the first stage of a feasibility study last year which showed a tunnel option was possible although a bridge option was cheaper.

A PREFERRED option for a third river crossing could be put forward next year.

Norfolk County Council spent £75,000 on the first stage of a feasibility study last year which showed a tunnel option was possible although a bridge option was cheaper.

In April, a second stage of investigations will begin, costing about £375,000, to continue to look into both options. It will seek to find the best option in terms of cost, impact on the environment, impact on port operations in the harbour and regeneration of the area.

The final stage three will include a detailed design ready for a sound business case submission to government in a bid to secure funding. Building work would start in 2013.

Members of Great Yarmouth's area committee will be updated on progress at a meeting at the town hall on Monday .

A new crossing over the River Yare, off the spur leading to Harfrey's roundabout has been tipped to ease congestion at the notorious Gapton Hall roundabout and provide a vital route for thousands of lorries expected to be working from the new £50m outer harbour which will be fully operational by 2009.

Supporters also reckon it would aid in the regeneration of the rundown South Denes area.