The Humber Bridge first opened to traffic at 12.40pm on Wednesday, June 24, 1981 after a series of troubles that lasted right up to the opening day. It was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world for 17 years until the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge opened in Japan on April 5, 1998. These rarely-seen photos bring to life the story of the Grade I listed landmark spans the Humber estuary between Barton-upon-Humber on the south bank and Hessle on the north bank, connecting the East Riding of Yorkshire with North Lincolnshire. READ MORE: The 15 happiest places to live in Yorkshire
2. Humber Bridge memories
Work began on the world's longest single-span suspension bridge in March 1973. It was scheduled for completion four years later at an estimated cost of £16 million. Photo: YPN
3. Humber Bridge memories
But constructional difficulties, bad weather and labour problems slowed progress and pushed the cost higher and higher. Photo: YPN
4. Humber Bridge memories
First in the queue on the north bank was a car transporter driven by David Fowler who had been parked since 2pm the previous day. Behind him, in the first car in the queue , was Christine Goodrum. She had promised her three God-children they would be among the first to cross the bridge. Photo: YPN