40 years since work began on Humber Bridge

When it opened in 1981, the Humber Bridge had the world's longest main span at 4626ft, and remained a record-breaker for 16 years.

Prior to the bridge opening, commuters would go from one bank to the other either by using the ferry which ran between Hull and New Holland in Lincolnshire, or by driving via the M62.

The road-distance between Hull and Grimsby was reduced by nearly 50 miles as a result of the bridge.

Plans for a bridge were originally drawn up in the 1930s, and were revised in 1955, but work did not begin until 26 July 1972. The Humber Bridge Act was passed in 1959. This established the Humber Bridge Board in order to manage and raise funds to build the bridge and buy the land required for the approach roads.

The bridge opened to traffic on 24 June 1981. It was opened officially by Queen Elizabeth on July 17.