News

Humber Bridge COVID-19 Update

Posted on By admin_humber

As the COVID-19 situation develops, the Humber Bridge Board is continuing to follow the government guidelines to ensure our staff and customers remain safe. As part of this, we have identified those staff who are deemed vulnerable or have vulnerable dependents, based on current guidance and have worked with them to self-isolate.

Where possible and practical, we have arranged for some of these staff to work from home, which has led to an overall reduction in staff available to work at the bridge.

This means we may have to reduce the number of booths open to the public, so we are asking Humber Bridge users to please be patient with our staff and each other during this very difficult time. As ever, we will try our best to minimise disruption during peak traffic times.

Please be assured that the safety of our staff and customers remains our number one priority at all times.

We’d also like to remind customers that they can help protect themselves and our staff by using contactless payment, although cash will still be accepted where there are no alternatives.

Humber Bridge users encouraged to go contactless to limit the spread of COVID-19

Posted on By admin_humber

MOTORISTS crossing the Humber Bridge are being asked to use contactless payments instead of cash to help minimise contact.

The move is part of the planning and precautions the senior managers at Humber Bridge are taking to ensure the bridge stays operational during the outbreak, as the UK Government moves into the “delay” phase of its response to COVID-19. 

Tollbooth operators have been equipped with gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to help them keep their environment hygienic while dealing with the thousands of motorists using the bridge each day. 

However, as a further precaution to protect both staff and customers, senior managers at the Humber Bridge are calling on drivers to switch to contactless payments with immediate effect. 

Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Arundel, said the bridge is an essential connection for the region and is used by 10,000 vehicles every day. 

He said: “We have already equipped the staff with sanitation products to keep their immediate environment clean, but now we are encouraging motorists to do their bit by no longer using cash and choosing contactless payment methods instead. 

“We are entering a challenging phase where our priorities are our staff, our customers, and the safety of all bridge users, and balancing the needs of everyone is at the forefront of our minds.

“Our customers should know that we are continually planning, and we will keep them as well informed as possible. Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on changes at the Humber Bridge.” 

WEEKEND DELAYS AT HUMBER BRIDGE AS INSPECTION GANTRIES ARE REMOVED

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MOTORISTS using the Humber Bridge this weekend are likely to face delays as the inspection gantries are finally being taken down.

The gantries, which have enabled vital cable inspection to be carried out over recent months, will be removed from the east side main cable between 8pm on Friday, September 13, and 4am on Monday, September 16.

During this time, the southbound carriageway will be closed but a contraflow on the northbound carriageway will ensure traffic continues to flow in both directions.

Despite this, however, motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys as the traffic management measures are likely to create delays.

As part of the work, the southbound TAG lane also will be closed, and the east footpath will remain closed.

However, cyclists and pedestrians will be able to access the west walkway of the bridge, which will be open for the entire weekend.

A spokesperson for the Humber Bridge said the removal of the gantries was a step closer to the vital inspection work being completed.

The spokesperson said: “The cable inspection work is now entering its final phase which means the gantries that have provided a vital platform for engineers to work on can finally be taken down.

“This is good news because it means the southbound lane closure can be partially removed and reduced to just a short section in the middle of the bridge.

“We are hoping to be in a position to remove the final section of the lane closure by mid-October, however this will be reliant on favourable weather, so we will keep our fingers crossed.

“The cable inspection work is essential to the ongoing maintenance and operation of the bridge, and we would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during times of congestion.”

For more information about the cable inspection work, watch this video

WEEKEND DELAYS AT HUMBER BRIDGE

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Motorists are being warned to expect delays crossing the Humber Bridge this weekend as essential cable maintenance work enters its second phase.

Contractors have finished work on the western main cable and will move all scaffolding and gantries over to the eastern main cable, starting Friday evening around 8pm and finishing Sunday evening around 8pm.

During that time, a contraflow will be in place, the tag lanes may also be closed to control merging traffic and ensure safety.

This is a big undertaking and we would normally split this work over two weekends. However, we’re keen to keep disruption to a minimum so we’ve worked with the contractor to condense the work into a single weekend. We are asking motorists to plan their journey in advance allowing for the expected delays.

The cable maintenance work is essential and we would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience and understanding.

Since the work began earlier this year, the western carriageway has been reduced to a single lane for a portion of the bridge. There has also been a reduction in the speed limit to 30mph and the western footpath has been closed. Once this weekend’s work is complete, both lanes on the western carriageway will open and the speed restrictions will be lifted.

From Sunday evening through to the cable safety work finishing in October, the eastern carriageway will be reduced to a single lane for a portion and the speed limit will be reduced to 30mph. The eastern footpath will also be closed.

Pedestrians and cyclists are being assured that at least one walkway will be open this weekend as the changeover is implemented.

Once the scaffolding and inspection gantries have been removed from the western main cable, we will look to reopen the western footpath and close the eastern footpath. It’s hard to say precisely when that will happen, but we want to assure pedestrians and cyclists that at least one of the footpaths will be open all weekend.

For more information about the cable maintenance work – you can watch the video below.

View from the South Bank Wins #YourBridge Photographic Competition

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#YourBridge – the Humber Bridge photo competition which has been running throughout 2018 – has been won by September’s entry, themed ‘Views from the South Bank’.

The breath-taking picture, which features the bridge under an array of moving clouds, was taken by Tim King of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Tim wins a photography masterclass with professional photographer, Lee Gale, and a selection of photographic equipment from London Camera Exchange – High Street, Lincoln, and Hilton Photographic in Hull.

His image will also feature on the front of the Humber Bridge Calendar 2019, which goes on sale early in the near year.

Tim said he was delighted to snap first prize in the year-long competition. He said: “Finding out I had won made my day, it was a fantastic surprise.

“I can’t wait for the masterclass and I’m really excited about seeing my picture on the front of the Humber Bridge Calendar.”

The #YourBridge competition was run throughout 2018 with each month having a different theme.

Photographers were encouraged to submit images that they felt best captured the spirit of that month’s theme, for a chance to feature in the 2019 Humber Bridge calendar.

The overall winner was then picked from those entries that had triumphed each month.

After a closely fought contest, Tim was crowned the winner.

Kevin Moore, Chief Executuve at the Humber Bridge, said: “Thank you to all the people who took part in the #YourBridge competition. We had some absolutely fantastic photographs submitted and in many ways it is unfortunate that only one can win.

“However, Tim’s entry really impressed the judges, making him a worthy winner.

“I’d also like to thank our team here at the Humber Bridge for carrying out their duties so professionally.

“Fans of the Humber Bridge can look out for our first official calendar, featuring all the #YourBridge winners, which will go on sale early next year.”

To view all of our monthly winners of the photography competition – click here

Women into Manufacturing and Engineering Open Day – Hull Guildhall

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Saturday 6th October 2018

We’re looking forward to the Women into Manufacturing and Engineering open day at the Guildhall this Saturday. We’ll be there along with a host of other local companies and organisations (such as Siemens Gamesa, Airco, Swift, etc) to give advice to visitors and to talk about opportunities across the sector.

Follow this link for more details:

http://greenporthull.co.uk/news/events-to-inspire-females-to-take-up-manufacturing-and-engineering-careers

 

Civic Day Celebrates Humber Bridge’s Place at Heart of Community

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The region’s dignitaries who attended the Civic Day at the Humber Bridge on Saturday, in front of the north tower.

DIGNITARIES and Civic Leaders gathered at the Humber Bridge on Saturday to celebrate the iconic structure’s place at the heart of the local community.

Mayors of Hull, Barton and North Lincolnshire; the Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshire and Vice Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and; representatives from the four local authorities and town councils near to the bridge, all took part in the Civic event which included a tour of the bridge and a trip up the north tower.

The visit was organised by the Humber Bridge Board to celebrate the close working relationship the Board has with its local stakeholders and the public.

It was organised by Cllr Sean Chaytor, Labour councillor for Marfleet and Vice Chair of the Humber Bridge Board, who said it pointed the way to a more open future where the public will be able to tour the bridge, from the inner workings beneath the road surface to the tops of the towers.

Cllr Chaytor said: “This is the first of a series of events which aim to demonstrate how much we appreciate the partnerships with have with our stakeholders in the region, and the public. It is about firmly cementing the bridge into the fabric of the local community.

“All the dignitaries who have attended have seen a totally new and different side to the Humber Bridge and one they will not forget, particularly the views from the top of the towers which are spectacular.”

Cllr Chaytor added that events like this were a ‘warm up’ for the Humber Bridge’s 40th anniversary celebrations, which will take place throughout 2021.

He said: “There will be a huge amount going on over the next couple of years as we move towards 2021, and then a whole year of fantastic events and activities to celebrate the bridge’s 40th birthday. In many ways, the Civic Day is a soft launch of all of that.”

As well as touring the bridge, guests heard talks from the Hidden Histories team about how the Heritage Lottery-funded project was progressing, and took in the Soap Box Derby, which was also taking place on Saturday.

They were greeted by Humber Bridge Chief Executive Dr Kevin Moore, who was part of the team that guided the dignitaries around the bridge.

Dr Moore said: “It was a privilege to show our guests around the bridge to enable them to understand more about what we do here, but more importantly the value of the asset that we are entrusted to manage.

“The Humber Bridge is a true icon of this region and tours like this really help to enforce that status within the hearts and minds of local people.”

For more information contact Nick Glaves at The PR Company on (01430) 478555, 07868 359016 or email nick@tprc.co.uk.

High-sided and Vulnerable Vehicles Defined as Part of New Campaign

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The Humber Bridge Board has released a list of vehicles that are regarded as vulnerable or high-sided and are prohibited from crossing the bridge in high winds.

The Board is publishing this list as, unfortunately, even when the bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles, a number of drivers choose to ignore the warning and guidance and continue their journey, putting themselves and other users at risk.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0or8FVhieD8&w=560&h=315]

According to Humber Bridge Chief Executive, Dr Kevin Moore, “Some people will cross because they do not realise they are driving a high-sided vehicle.”

Dr Moore said: “We understand there is some confusion around exactly what constitutes a high-sided vehicle. As a result, we have consulted with agencies such as the Road Haulage Association and Humberside Police to compile a list which will help people understand which vehicles are unsafe to cross in high winds.

“The list can be found on our website, and we will also be handing out information at the toll booths. People can also find out the details on our social media channels.”

Dr Moore added: ”Unfortunately, it appears that some drivers are fully aware that they are not supposed to cross during windy conditions but deliberately flout the rules, putting themselves and others at risk.”

The vehicles that should not cross the Humber Bridge in high winds are:

• High-sided rigid or articulated HGVs*
• Articulated tippers*
• Rigid tippers*
• Car transporters
• Abnormal loads
• Double-decker buses
• Motorhomes
• Furniture vans
• Luton vans
• Transit van-style vehicles with modifications
• Vehicles with trailers or caravans
• Motorcycles and mopeds
• Three-wheelers

*Regardless of whether empty or full

The Humber Bridge Board is also advising drivers who have roofboxes to make sure  that they are properly fastened to their cars before crossing the bridge.

Download our High-sided Vehicle Chart

Bridge Secures Four More Convictions for Trespass

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The Humber Bridge Board has successfully prosecuted four more people for climbing the bridge without permission.

The Board took legal action against Jay Swingler, Axel Grassi-Havnen, Peter George Taylor and Jesal Parshotan, for breaching its bye-laws. None of the defendants appeared at the hearings, which took place at Hull Magistrates Court on Friday 23rd March.

Swingler, 23 of Dudley, West Midlands,  and Grassi-Havnen, 21, of Sutton Coldfield, attempted to climb the bridge on July 26th last year.
This was followed, just days later, by London-based Taylor (18) and Parshotan, aged 28,  who illegally climbed the Humber Bridge on August 1st.

Swingler and Grassi-Havnen both pleaded guilty to trespass. Swingler was fined £135 and ordered to pay costs of £125 plus a victim surcharge of £30.  Grassi-Havnen was fined £100, ordered to pay costs of £125 and a victim surcharge of £30. Taylor and Parshotan were each fined £235 and ordered to pay costs of £125 plus a victim surcharge of £30.

The Humber Bridge Board has now successfully prosecuted five individuals for unauthorised access to the bridge infrastructure. In January this year, daredevil BMX rider Ryan Taylor was fined £400 and ordered to pay £125 costs after he breached the bye-laws in May 2017.

Dr Kevin Moore, Chief Executive of the Humber Bridge, said the prosecutions should act as a stark warning to anyone contemplating illegal activity on the bridge. He said: “As these prosecutions demonstrate, we take a zero-tolerance approach to people illegally climbing the Humber Bridge. We want people to understand how dangerous these actions are to themselves and other members of the public.”

Teenagers Create Positive Messages about Mental Health on Bridge

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJWo1d3zCWI&w=560&h=315]

A new mental health campaign designed by young volunteers from Hull to help their peers has been launched today (27 March) with a creative and emotive soundscape along the Humber Bridge.

HeadStart is a five-year, £56 million programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund. Young people aged between 12 and 20 from across the city, some of whom have had their own personal struggles with depression and low self-esteem, have developed the idea.

With support from local published poet Vicky Foster and sound designer Mark Jones, the young people have produced inspirational messages and poems to tackle the taboo of mental health. It is also about reaching out to other children and young people who may be suffering from emotional issues, and maybe having a hard time talking about their feelings. They want all young people to know that even in difficult times when they can feel at their most isolated, “you are not alone”.

 

Twelve loudspeakers along the Humber Bridge will provide creative soundbites with positive messages from young people to reach those most in need from today and will run until 17th April. It will provide a unique listening experience for those who walk across the Bridge’s 2,220-metre span – which is the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world that it is possible to cross by foot or on cycle.

Gail Teasdale, programme lead, said: “Headstart Hull is about building young people’s emotional resilience and encourage them to talk about their problems before they develop into anything more serious. This ‘You are not alone’ campaign is all about challenging the stigmas, influencing decisions and raising awareness.

“The HeadStarters want all of Hull’s children and young people to know that they are not alone, that people care, that help is available, and that with time and support, they can overcome their issues and experience good times again.”

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Kaitlyn Robson, aged 15, and Ben Waudby, 18, both pupils at Malet Lambert School in Hull, are among a small group of Headstarters who developed the idea and wanted to do something positive.

Ben said: “Young people’s mental health and well-being are neglected in society, and it’s time to fix that.”

Kaitlyn said: “I wanted to do this campaign as I’m passionate about mental health and I think this campaign is a creative way to make a difference.”

The Humber Bridge Board has fully supported the campaign. Chief Executive Dr Kevin Moore says: “We are very pleased to support this excellent project, which highlights and responds to the important issue of mental health in our communities. The young people involved are to be commended for their passion, creativity and hard work.”

HeadStart promotes positive emotional health and wellbeing, aimed at children and young people and their families to develop skills to cope with life challenges. It provides an appropriate early help response through targeted interventions for young people aged 10 to 16. The services include a range of support for young people including peer mentors, group work, counselling and resilience coaches. There is also peer mentoring and group work support for parents. Services can currently be accessed via referrals from schools or young people’s community based services, where staff have received training.

To find out more about the services available and how to contact them, go to www.howareyoufeeling.org.uk and click on the ‘who can help’ section.