Interesting Facts About the Humber Bridge
When it comes to finding interesting sites in Kingston upon Hull to visit, the Humber Bridge definitely stands out as one of the most popular sites to visit in England. Spanning more than 2,000 meters, this suspension bridge was opened in the 1980s and is one of the longest in the world. The Humber Bridge is also considered a heritage site.
The bridge is one of many great tourist locations throughout the UK, especially in Hull. It’s easy to access, has plenty of great interesting facts and is definitely an architectural masterpiece. If you are looking to visit Hull, UK and looking for interesting sites to see, the bridge is one of them.
About the Humber Bridge
The Humber Bridge is close to Kingston upon Hull, or only ‘Hull’ as locals call it, and offers great views of the surrounding sea. It spans the Humber, between Hessle on the north bank and Barton-upon-Humber, connecting North Lincolnshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
The bridge is 2,220 meters long and 28.5 meters wide. It has a height of 155 meters and the longest span is 1,410 meters. Work on the bridge began in 1972 and cable spinning took place from 1977 to 1979. The bridge was officially opened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1981.
Currently carrying more than 120,000 vehicles per week, the Humber Bridge has four lanes for traffic ad a cycleway on either side. It was classified as a Grade I listed building in 2017, which means that it is a building of exceptional interest and may not be demolished or altered without special permission. There are thousands of similar listed structures throughout the UK.
Here are a few interesting facts about the Humber Bridge:
- It cost £98million to build with a total of £151 million including interest at completion
- The bridge was opened to traffic on 24 June 1981
- It handles 120,000 vehicles per week
- Motorcycles can cross the bridge free of charge
- Each of the cables weighs 6,100 tons
The bridge was the longest in the world when it opened in 1981 but was surpassed by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan in 1998. Currently, it’s the eighth-longest bridge in the world.
The history of the bridge goes back as far as 1872 when local tradesmen wanted to find a way to cross the Humber Estuary. The first proposals were submitted in 1872 for a tunnel; over the next 100 years, there were many more. There was a proposed ferry service and various bridges. The Humber Bridge as we know it was approved in 1959 but construction began in 1972.
Visiting Hull, UK
The Humber Bridge is one of many great tourist attractions to enjoy when you visit Hull, UK. Hull is an interesting town with a rich history and that’s why it is so popular among tourists. People from all over the UK come to see the wonderful landmarks and the rich history that Hull offers.
Whether it’s for the good food, the friendly community, or the many wonderful tourist attractions, you can visit Hull, UK and learn so much about its heritage. Plus, it offers a very affordable living standard and plenty of ways to enjoy your time with family and friends.
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