Humber bridge

The Humber bridge is one of the largest suspension bridges of the world. In 1981, when the bridge was finished, and 17 years thereafter it was the longest single span suspension bridge of the world. It is situated in Yorkshire, England and crosses the river Humber near its mouth. As the river Humber slowly develops into a bay of the North Sea, its breadth posed a real challenge in the days of the construction of the bridge.

The bridge has two lanes in each direction and cars using it have to pay a toll.

Construction

A suspension bridge design was chosen to allow freedom for boat traffic, because navigable channels in the bed of the river are continually shifting. An alternative of building a tunnel had also been considered and rejected. Construction took eight years.

References

• Humber Bridge Board (2005-2008). Official website