Hill & Smith Infrastructure – Delivering Safety and Durability at Great Yarmouth’s Third River Crossing

The Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, officially named the Herring Bridge, is one of the most significant infrastructure developments in Norfolk in decades.

Designed to alleviate congestion, improve connectivity, and support local economic growth, the bridge presented a complex set of engineering and logistical challenges – particularly when it came to safety-critical infrastructure like vehicle parapets.

To ensure the highest levels of durability, reliability, and protection for motorists, Varley & Gulliver Parapets, part of Hill & Smith Infrastructure, was chosen to supply and install a range of VRS solutions across the new structure. With a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence and project delivery, the company brought both expertise and innovation to the table. The flexibility and precision of this design underline Varley & Gulliver’s capacity to adapt their solutions to meet the unique needs of major civil engineering projects.

Engineering Safety Across the Span

The Third River Crossing is a 50-metre twin-leaf bascule bridge that spans the River Yare, linking the A47 at Harfrey’s Roundabout to the port and industrial areas on the western side of the river. Given the bridge’s central role in relieving pressure on the town’s transport network, safety and longevity were non-negotiable priorities from the outset.

Varley & Gulliver was tasked with supplying and installing a range of solutions:

• Pedestrian and vehicle parapets (managed & delivered by Varley & Gulliver)
• Pedestrian Guardrail Package (managed by Varley & Gulliver and delivered by Littlewood Fencing)
• Vehicle Barrier Package (managed by Varley & Gulliver, sourced from Hill & Smith Barriers and delivered by Littlewood Fencing)

The systems had to meet compliance against stringent safety standards, specifically EN1317 and BS7818, which stipulate the performance and safety criteria for Vehicle and Pedestrian Restraint Systems respectively.

Bespoke engineering requirements

A three-year project, the scheme has been one of Varley & Gulliver’s largest projects to date and has seen the business deliver the largest range of bespoke products on one single job. It required bespoke products meeting the pre-requisite for architectural design and they needed to integrate seamlessly from a safety performance and bridge operational performance.

Seamless Project Delivery

Working in close collaboration with the main contractor, BAM Farrans JVand project stakeholders, Varley & Gulliver ensured smooth coordination throughout the installation phase. The team’s experience in delivering parapet systems for major infrastructure ensured that the project’s ambitious timelines were met without compromising on quality or safety.

From initial design through to on-site installation, the company’s end-to-end service helped keep the project moving forward while maintaining the highest standards.

Supporting Regional Growth

The completion of the Third River Crossing is expected to deliver long-term benefits to Great Yarmouth and the wider Norfolk region, including reduced journey times, improved access to the port, and enhanced economic development opportunities. Infrastructure elements such as vehicle parapets – though often overlooked – play a vital role in ensuring that such structures are safe, efficient, and future-ready.

Varley & Gulliver’s involvement in this landmark project highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting major UK infrastructure with high-quality, safety-focused solutions. Their contribution to the Herring Bridge reinforces their standing as a trusted partner in the delivery of national infrastructure that stands the test of time.