Great Yarmouth third river crossing given green light in Budget

Work on the crossing between the Harfreys Industrial Estate and South Denes Road could start in 2020

Funding for a third river crossing in Great Yarmouth has been announced in the chancellor's Autumn Budget.

Philip Hammond granted £98m for the route, which will cost about £120m to build.

Campaigners have been pressing for the bridge for more than 10 years, with plans already drawn up and £4m of funding in place.

Norfolk County Council leader Cliff Jordan said it was a "fantastic day" for the town and the county.

The River Yare crossing will link the Harfreys Industrial Estate A47 roundabout to South Denes Road.

The government has said the new route will relieve traffic jams and open up economic growth in the town

Norfolk County Council said the long-awaited route, linking two enterprise zones, could also help pave the way for 5,000 jobs by 2025.

In its full Budget, the government said the new lifting bridge would help in "alleviating congestion and stimulating growth in the enterprise zone".

Conservative council leader Cliff Jordan said: "This is a fantastic day for Great Yarmouth and for the whole of Norfolk.

"It's a huge step forward for the project and we'll keep cracking on to get the bridge built as soon as possible."

Great Yarmouth council leader Graham Plant (Conservative) said the announcement meant "huge opportunities" loomed for the resort.

"The benefits of the crossing for our residents, businesses and visitors are significant, improving traffic connections, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking further business, regeneration and economic growth opportunities," he said.

Nova Fairbank, from Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said the government had showed its "commitment to supporting greater economic growth and jobs in Great Yarmouth".

The crossing should relieve pressure on the seaside town's existing Haven and Breydon bridges, especially during the peak tourist season.

It is hoped work will start in 2020 and be completed by 2023.