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
5. Humber Bridge memories
While early customers waited patiently to cross the bridge, housewife Liz Jackson with three young daughters - Jessica, Lucy and Sophie - riding a tricycle nearly stole a march on them all. She calmly cycled down the bridge approach road past the toll booths and was heading across the bridge approach when officials stopped her.
"I knew the cycleway across the bridge was not open. It was worth a try," said Liz afterwards. Photo: YPN
6. Humber Bridge memories
Councillor Alex Clarke pays his £1 to the toll booth operator John Mackinder at the opening in June 1981. Photo: YPN
7. Humber Bridge memories
It was opened officially by Queen Elizabeth II on July 17, 1981, in a ceremony that included a prayer of dedication by the Archbishop of York and a fly-past by the Red Arrows. Photo: YPN
8. Humber Bridge memories
Tracey Jackson fights to keep control of her umberella underneath the storm lashed Humber Bridge, which was closed to high-sided vehicles because of the winds in October 1991. Photo: YPN