Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, UK

Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD) is leading the detailed design of the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing project in Norfolk on behalf of BAM Farrans, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Farrans Construction. 

In November 2020, the British Government approved funding of £98 million for this “nationally significant infrastructure project”. This followed the Planning Inspectorate’s decision in September 2020 to grant Norfolk County Council development consent for the construction, operation and maintenance of the new opening bridge across the River Yare in Great Yarmouth.

BAM Farrans JV started construction in January 2021. The opening of the scheme to traffic is planned for early 2023.

ROD's partners are Hardesty & Hanover, who provide global expertise in moveable bridges, and Norfolk-based architecture firm, Pro:works. 

Our team has extensive experience in: 

• design of moveable structures 
• design of bridges in tidal rivers 
• deep foundation design 
• integration of permanent and temporary works 
• design of urban highway schemes

The main feature of the scheme is a 50m clear span twin bascule bridge providing a new link across the River Yare in Norfolk to ease traffic congestion, reduce journey times and improve journey reliability. 

Additional features include: 

• junctions with the A47 to the west and South Denes Road to the east 
• dual carriageway approach roads 
• two single span bridges 
• reinforced earth pile-supported approach embankments 
• feature landscaping on the quayside to create a new public realm 
• flood protection works

The scheme is centered in an operational marine port, with commercial and residential properties along the approaches to the river crossing.

Poor soil conditions and low-lying ground add further complexity.

• Bridge engineering design 
• Structural engineering design 
• Highways engineering design 
• Geotechnical 
• Environmental engineering 
• Drainage 
• Tender design 
• Temporary works 
• Electrical