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Work on free flowing tolling system to get underway at Humber Bridge

WORK to install a state-of-the-art free flow tolling system at the Humber Bridge is set to get underway later this month, with the project due to go live in autumn. 

Phase one of the civil engineering and highway works, which includes the construction of a new tolling gantry spanning all lanes on the bridge, will start on March 17 and last for 10 weeks.

The work will be followed by extensive testing of the new system throughout the summer before official launch in autumn, after which, attention will turn to the removal of the remaining toll booth infrastructure

The works are set to last around 30 weeks in total, and cones will be in place on the bridge from mid-March until the work is completed in autumn or early winter.

However, to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum, the majority of work will be carried out at night and no daytime lane closures are expected as a result of installing the new tolling system.

Andrew Arundel, Chief Executive Officer at the Humber Bridge, said the start of the work marked an exciting countdown to fully automated tolling.

Mr Arundel said: “We’re delighted to announce the start of works on the new, automated tolling system, which will significantly enhance user experience at the Humber Bridge. 

“By completely overhauling the payment process, crossing the bridge will be easier and payment will be much more convenient.

“We’re determined to ensure that while the works are ongoing, bridge users will not be inconvenienced. Whereas some traffic management measures will be in place throughout the duration of the works, these are likely to include narrowing the lanes rather than closing them, to ensure traffic can keep moving.”

Mr Arundel added the multi-million pound scheme will utilise key technologies including artificial intelligence and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to monitor traffic crossing the bridge. 

It will also increase the requirement for back-office staff, meaning operatives currently working in the toll booths will be offered the opportunity to apply for new roles within the organisation. 

As well as improving crossing at the bridge, customers will enjoy improved payment options via a new website or mobile app.

Those wishing to pay with cash will be able to do so via Paypoint at key locations across the region.

Mr Arundel added: “The project will make all aspects of using the Humber Bridge easier and more efficient, from not having to stop at a toll booth to paying for your crossing.

“Once it goes live, we feel bridge users will really appreciate the improvements it brings.” 

The work is being carried out by McCann Ltd on behalf of main contractor Neology. 

The sun welcomed lots of visitors to the official opening of the Outdoor Gym on Sunday. You’ll find this amazing set of gym equipment next to the Humber Wellbeing hub within the Humber Bridge Country Park.

John Curry from the Rotary Club of Hull gave a brilliant speech, explaining how they came to support the scheme in the first place and thanking all of the partners involved. Jody Barford of Activfirst Training Ltd, then provided the crowd with an interactive overview of how each piece of equipment could be used.

Thanks again to Hull Rotary Club and ERYC for partnering in this amazing initiative.

The gym is aimed at those aimed 13 and above, so why not head down to the gym with some friends and family and give it a go.

Humber Bridge Board To Raise Walkway Barriers

The Humber Bridge Board has agreed plans to raise the barriers on the walkways of the Grade One listed structure to increase safety and security for visitors and people using the bridge.

The planned work will see vertical steel posts with horizontal wire attached to the existing barriers to improve welfare for bridge visitors and users, without compromising on the spectacular views. 

The announcement follows a feasibility study that got underway in 2019 which included rigorous testing of the proposed design to ensure it will have no detrimental impacts on the bridge, or on pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. 

The design also has to take account of the Grade One listed status of the bridge, which involved discussions with the local Conservation Teams and Historic England. The Board will now submit the proposals to both East Riding of Yorkshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council for Listed Building Consent, which is required  before work can go ahead.

Richard Hannigan, Chair of the Humber Bridge Board, said: “Raising the barriers on the Humber Bridge walkways has been the subject of debate for a long time. However, finding a solution that doesn’t detrimentally impact on the bridge has always been the major challenge. 

“To overcome this, the Board launched a feasibility study into increasing the height of the existing barriers in 2019 and we’re delighted to report that process has been a success.

“The proposed design will provide a sturdy but lightweight extension that will increase the parapets to 2.7m without impacting on the integrity or performance of the bridge. 

“It will not detract from the spectacular views along the Humber Estuary that the bridge affords, and we believe it meets the criteria set down by Historic England as a Grade One listed structure.” 

The Humber Bridge Board have allocated a budget £3m for the project, which also includes removal of the old maintenance gantries and have agreed to borrow money to fund the scheme, meaning bridge tolls will not increase to pay for it. 

Cllr Hannigan, who is also Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, added the move would make the bridge safer for everyone who visits it. 

“The Humber Bridge Board believes everyone who uses the bridge, whether for commuting or leisure, should be able to do so in the safest possible environment,” he said. 

“Now we have found a workable solution to raising the walkway barriers, the Board wants to ensure this important work is carried out.” 

ENDS

We have essential work taking place this week. 

Between 9:00am and 4:00pm on both this Thursday and Friday (16th and 17th May) we’ll need to close a lane on the southbound side of the bridge (travelling towards Barton). The toll booths and tag lanes will be unaffected and by carrying out these works during the above times, we’ll be able to avoid disruption during our peaks.

Throughout the above works you’ll still be able to cross the Bridge in either direction with or without a HumberTag. However, you’ll need to adhere to all traffic management. Please allow extra time for your journey if travelling during this time, and drive carefully through the roadworks. 

These works are weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice.

Whilst we know that delays on the bridge can be frustrating, we’d ask that you remember our colleagues are here to help with card payments and make your trip a pleasant one. So please treat them with respect.

The public toilets in our Car Parks will be closed next week on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th, and Wednesday 15th May 2024 in order to install new lighting. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

Once the toilets reopen, we will communicate this on our social media channels and website (humberbridge.co.uk). If you’re planning to visit the local area during this time, your nearest alternative facilities are Hessle Foreshore.

Please refer to the following link for other alternatives:

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/other-council-services/for-the-public/public-convenience-finder/

National Highways are continuing their essential repairs on the M180 Mutton Lane Bridge (near Outmill) this weekend. This will require a full closure of the M180 in BOTH directions between Junctions 2 and 3, starting at 8pm on Friday 26th April and continuing through the weekend until Monday 29th April at 6am.

Fully signed diversions will be in place, and details of these can be found at National Highways’ website via the following link. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/yorkshire-and-north-east/yorkshire-and-north-east-maintenance-schemes/

Please note that the Humber Bridge is NOT part of the official diversion route. However, if you are planning to cross the Bridge this weekend please be mindful that there may be a significant increase of traffic in the area.  Please check Google Maps, or a similar traffic app, for guidance before setting off and allow extra time for your journey. 

If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk.

This weekend we are continuing our essential maintenance on the Humber Bridge, which means that there will be some traffic management in place between 8pm on Friday 12th April until the early hours on Monday 15th April.

Due to the nature of the works, there will be times during this period that require a temporary contraflow to be in place between the Toll Booths and just South of Hessle Tower.

These essential works are in their final stages and we thank you for your continued patience over the past few months.

Please allow extra time for your journey if travelling during this time, and please drive carefully through the roadworks.

Update: Following a recent, temporary, closure (due to vandalism) the public toilets in our car parks will reopen from Saturday 23rd March.

We apologise for any inconvenience this closure may have caused and we thank you for your patience.