1981

The Humber Bridge

A bridge like no other

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1959 – Humber Bridge Act Passed

The UK Parliament passed the Humber Bridge Act, allowing for the construction of a bridge to connect the north and south banks of the Humber. However, due to financial and political delays, work didn’t begin for over a decade.

After years of debate and financial delays, the UK government finally approved funding for the Humber Bridge project. However, economic difficulties in the late 1960s meant the project was still slow to begin.

1966 – Government Approval for Construction

1970 – Plans Finalized & Contractors Appointed

The final bridge design was approved, and the contract was awarded to Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company, one of the leading bridge builders in the UK. The design featured a single-span suspension bridge, which was a groundbreaking engineering choice.

After more than a decade of delays, construction finally started. The first major task was sinking the two massive concrete anchorage blocks into the riverbed, which would hold the suspension cables in place.

27th July 1972 – Construction Officially Begins

1974 – Tower Foundations Completed

The bridge’s two massive towers (155m high) were completed. At the time, they were among the tallest structures in the UK. Each tower was built using slip-form construction, meaning concrete was continuously poured as the towers rose.

The most critical stage of construction was completed when two giant suspension cables were installed. Each cable was made up of 14,948 individual wires, carefully strung across the estuary to hold the bridge deck in place.

1980 – Main Suspension Cables Installed

17th July 1981 – Official Opening

The Humber Bridge was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. At the time, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world, stretching 2,220 metres (7,283 feet) across the Humber Estuary.