1981
The Humber Bridge
A bridge like no other
There was a Long Road Ahead
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.
How long was the Humber Bridge the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge?
On average how many cars cross the bridge each day?
Queen Elizabeth the 2nd
Queen Elizabeth the 2nd opening the Humber Bridge on 17th July 1981
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