17 December 2012Last updated at 14:35

Orwell Bridge 30th anniversary: New photographs released

Site of the Orwell Bridge viewed from Wherstead before construction work got under way

Thirty years ago, on 17 December 1982, Suffolk's Orwell Bridge bridge opened as part of the A45 (now A14) to carry traffic over the River Orwell on the outskirts of Ipswich. Construction work began in October 1979.

Construction work begins on the Orwell Bridge

Ipswich-based photographer Charles Whitfield King documented the bridge's construction. The £24m bridge was built from a pair of concrete box-girders. Its main span is 190m (623ft). At its peak, more than 300 people were employed in the building project alongside a team of Dutch engineers.

The design of the bridge, engineered by Sir William Halcrow and partners, took into consideration the impact on the Orwell Estuary and the needs of the Port of Ipswich. More than 19,000 tonnes of steel was used in the build.

Construction work and site base for the Orwell Bridge

It took three years to complete construction work. Piles were sunk 40m (131ft) in to the river bed to support the two concrete box sections that hold up the centre span.

Orwell Bridge construction at night showing lights on the Cliff Quay Power Station chimneys

The west bank of the River Orwell was the main site of activity during the production of the bridge and was home to the site offices. The San Antonious ferry was used to take supplies between the two banks. The Cliff Quay Power Station closed in 1985 and was demolished in November 1994.

Members of the public walking over the Orwell Bridge when it opened

Thousands of people took the opportunity to walk the 1,287m (4,222ft) span of the Orwell Bridge between Wherstead to the site of the former Ipswich Airport when it was opened by David Howell, the Transport Secretary at the time, in December 1982.

Suffolk

Orwell Bridge 30th anniversary: New photographs released

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