News

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

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

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. 

Save the Date: Humber Bridge Farmers Market

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Last October we broke the wonderful news that the much-loved and much-missed Humber Bridge Farmers Market is coming back.

Our friends at Little Hummingbird Events have put together an amazing selection of talented local artisans and makers. We’re delighted to tell you that the first market will be held on Sunday, April 6th, starting at 9am and wrapping up at 2pm.

 

Weather Warning: Storm Eowyn

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

TRAVEL ADVISORY: Very strong winds associated with Storm Eowyn are due to hit our area on Friday 24th January, creating unsettled and stormy weather until the early hours of Saturday.

We are working closely with our Weather Forecast Service to monitor the situation and will take the appropriate action as necessary, including speed restrictions and closing the bridge to pedestrians, cyclists, high-sided and wind vulnerable vehicles.

There is a risk that we may need to temporarily close the bridge to all vehicles and pedestrians for a short period, if the current forecast changes. If this is necessary, we will work with our stakeholders to do this safely and efficiently and provide as much notice as possible.

If you are planning on crossing the bridge over the course of Friday please check the latest traffic and travel info on our website www.humberbridge.co.uk and be prepared to add extra time to your journey.

We know that delays on the bridge can be frustrating, but we ask that you remember our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.

Works 17th January 2025

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

We’re conducting essential maintenance on the Bridge, with work taking place from 7pm Friday 17th January until around the early hours of Saturday (18th January). This is to carry out maintenance to our CCTV as well as sweeping.

Starting at 7pm, we’ll be temporarily closing the southbound tag lane and we’ll only have one lane open up to around Hessle Anchorage. Once this has been completed, we’ll be switching to the northbound side of the Bridge to carry out similar works.

At all times you’ll still be able to cross the Bridge in either direction, and HumberTag customers will be able to use the toll booths.

Whilst we try to keep any impact to a minimum, please allow extra time for your journey and adhere to all traffic management.

We know that delays on the bridge can be frustrating, but we ask that you remember our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.

Chemical Spill Training Exercise 10/12/2024

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

DON’T PANIC!!! Due to a training exercise, there will be a large-scale emergency services presence in our car parks on Tuesday morning.

Our friends at Humberside Fire & Rescue Service, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and Humberside Police are taking part in an emergency response drill based around a hypothetical chemical spill at a pretend sporting event.

The exercise will be very lifelike, with people role-playing being injured, so we want to reassure everyone in advance that there is no need for concern.

All the action is taking place in the car parks so traffic will be unaffected.

Works 4th & 5th December

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

We’re conducting essential maintenance on the digital signs on the bridge this week with work taking place from 9am to 3.30pm on both Wednesday and Thursday (4th and 5th December).

During this time, there will be a lane closure in place on both sides of the Bridge, although you’ll still be able to cross the Bridge in either direction with or without a HumberTag.

Whilst we try to keep any impact to a minimum, please allow extra time for your journey and drive carefully through the roadworks.

We know that delays on the bridge can be frustrating, but we ask that you remember our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.

Works 15th-18th November

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

We’re conducting further essential maintenance on the Humber Bridge expansion joints this weekend with work taking place from 6pm on Friday, to 5am on Monday.  These works are similar to those carried out last weekend (pictured).

During this time, there will be a contraflow in place on the south half of the Bridge, from Barton tower to our southern boundary at Barton side. 

From 9pm on Sunday evening, we will also have minor works taking place on the toll plaza, which will require traffic management at various times.

Please note that throughout the works you’ll still be able to cross the Bridge in either direction with or without a HumberTag. 

Whilst we try to keep any impact to a minimum, please allow extra time for your journey and  drive carefully through the roadworks.

We know that delays on the bridge can be frustrating, but we ask that you remember our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.

Works 8th-11th November

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

We’re conducting essential maintenance on the Humber Bridge expansion joints this weekend with work taking place from 6pm on Friday, to 5am on Monday.

During this time, there will be a contraflow in place on the south half of the Bridge, near the Barton tower. The west walkway will be closed on Saturday and Sunday to support these works, so the east walkway will be open instead.

From 9pm on Sunday evening, we will also have minor works taking place on the toll plaza, which will require traffic management at various times.

Please note that throughout the works you’ll still be able to cross the Bridge in either direction with or without a HumberTag.

Whilst we try to keep any impact to a minimum, please allow extra time for your journey and drive carefully through the roadworks.

We know that delays on the bridge can be frustrating, but we ask that you remember our colleagues are here to help so please treat them with respect.

Gantry Removal

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

This week, we will be completing the removal of the old and redundant metal maintenance gantries (pictured) that are no longer working or needed. This doesn’t mean we won’t be carrying out maintenance anymore, it just means with advances in working practices and technology, we can do it differently.

The two gantries over the main span will be lowered down onto a barge in the Humber Estuary over the next two days and then disposed of in a sustainable manner.

There will be no disruption to traffic or pedestrians and cyclists during this operation.

Stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes photos!

Humber Bridge Farmers Market To Return

Posted on By Ashley Bailey

The much-loved, much missed Humber Bridge Farmers Market is making a comeback after a five-year absence. 

The Humber Bridge Board has agreed a trial with Yorkshire-based events company Little Hummingbird Events, with the aim to stage the first market in spring 2025. 

The farmers market delighted shoppers every month, with local artisanal food stalls as well as unique arts and crafts for sale. The last farmers market was in early 2020 and was put on hold throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Andrew Arundel, chief operating officer at the Humber Bridge, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing back the farmers market for 2025. 

“Since the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, there’s not been a week go by when someone hasn’t asked via email, or at the booths, or via social media when the market is coming back.  

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to find the right management team to help relaunch the market. We’re delighted to be working with Little Hummingbird Events, whose vision is really compelling.”

Little Hummingbird Events was established in early 2022 and has run markets in prime locations across the region, including Sheffield Cathedral, Temple Newsam, the Royal Armouries, as well as many others. 

Owner and founder Nicola Hudson said: “We’re passionate about supporting independent small businesses, so our ethos is to find the most talented local artisans and makers and give them a platform that celebrates their creativity and craftsmanship. 

“From the public’s perspective, our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive free event where people can explore and discover the talents of local makers and artisans, and experience something exceptional.

“It is also about bringing communities together to support each other and create that much-loved community spirit feel, which is something we are incredibly passionate about.

“We’re truly excited to be putting on such an event with the iconic Humber Bridge as a stunning backdrop.” 

The relaunch of the farmers market is the latest step in turning the bridge into a destination. 

Fay Baker, deputy chief operating officer at the Humber Bridge, said: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve done a lot of work on the bridge and around our estate. We’ve added a video tour across the bridge that gives many fun and interesting facts about the bridge and its construction. There’s also the new outdoor gym, right next to the wellbeing hub, which is now open six days a week. 

“We’ve also added Munchie, our caterpillar bench, for the kids in the picnic area and we’ve installed a rubbing trail in the country park, which is proving to be very popular.

“We really want the Humber Bridge to be more than a transport crossing and regional landmark – we want it to be a genuine community asset. And relaunching the farmers market is a big step forward in that direction.”

If you are interested in a stall at the markets, visit the Little Hummingbirds website https://www.littlehummingbirdevents.co.uk/

For updates on the markets, follow the Humber Bridge on Facebook, X, or Instagram.