Norfolk County Council is advertising for a contractor to design and build a third river crossing in Great Yarmouth, in a contract worth up to £75m.
The scheme, which has a total budget of £120m, is largely funded by the Department for Transport under its Large Local Major Schemes programme. Chancellor Philip Hammond announced approval of the outline business case – and funding of £98m – in the 2017 Autumn Budget.
The scheme will provide a third, more southerly crossing over the River Yare, creating a new, more direct link between the western and eastern parts of Great Yarmouth. Specifically it will provide a connection between the Strategic Road Network (A47) and the South Denes Business Park, Enterprise Zone, Great Yarmouth Energy Park and the Outer Harbour, all of which are located to the east of the River Yare on the South Denes peninsula.
The works include the design, construction and initial operating and maintenance of a new single-span opening bridge with a 50 metre navigable clearance, carrying a dual carriageway road across the River Yare; the design and construction of the associated approach roads and junctions; and the necessary realignment of the existing highway.
The council says the new bridge would help to reduce traffic build-up on the roads in Great Yarmouth, particularly on its existing Haven and Breydon bridges over the river, which often become congested during rush hour times and peak tourist seasons.
The contract notice states that the estimated value of the design and build is between £70m and £75m, based on the current design and information available. The deadline for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is 2pm on Thursday 29 March. The council said it envisages inviting five candidates to tender.
It intends applying for a Development Consent Order early next year, followed by an examination in public in the summer. If approved, the scheme would start construction in winter 2020 and be completed two years later.
