Short film about the building of the Orwell bridge.

[dolabriform]

40th anniversary.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-engl...anniversary-footage-of-ipswich-landmark-build

 

[pvb]

Thanks, I remember going under it many times as it was being built.

 

[Kukri]

Thank you for that. I recall my father remarked that the British Government had had to award the contract to Dutch civil engineers. And they did a very good job, as the film shows.

 

[Hadenough]

Thank you for that. I recall my father remarked that the British Government had had to award the contract to Dutch civil engineers. And they did a very good job, as the film shows.

Why had had? I assume even back then it was tendered.

 

[Kukri]

Why had had? I assume even back then it was tendered.

I’m sure it was! My late parent’s point was that no British firm could meet the spec. at the price.

 

[johnalison]

Great little film, and a lovely accent. I don't think I paid much attention to the building at the time, as we didn't tend to sail up to Ipswich in those days. First, the bridge wasn't there, and a few moments later it was.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Thanks. Enjoyed it.

I used to live in Norwich at the time but visited Ipswich on business about every fortnight. I used to have my sandwiches in the lay-bay and watch it grow.

 

[matthewriches]

There were some good photos in the paper the other day also.

 

[tidclacy]

Cannot believe it was 40 years ago. Or is it me getting older!

 

[Tomahawk]

The great shame is that since it was built.... this country has done bugger all by way of building new infrastructure. Our road network has remained the same ever since.

Today the A12 is hugely overloaded with accidents almost every week and massive traffic jams when there is a bit of rain.

 

[Old Harry]

The great shame is that since it was built.... this country has done bugger all by way of building new infrastructure. Our road network has remained the same ever since.

Today the A12 is hugely overloaded with accidents almost every week and massive traffic jams when there is a bit of rain.

QE 2 Bridge ??? local to you
a new Forth bridge

Both probably part EU funded too

 

[Tomahawk]

They are not new infrastructure.

Second Seven Crossing
Second Medway Bridge
Second Forth crossing... all simply repeating what already exists.

Essex and Kent are the two of the largest and richest counties in England... yet there is only one transport link between them the western extremity of the area. The Dutch, French and indeed everyone else would have built three or more new bridges/tunnels further east... Today there will be another traffic jam on the M25 and hundreds of thousands will be wasted in the delays.

 

[Old Harry]

They are not new infrastructure.

Second Seven Crossing
Second Medway Bridge
Second Forth crossing... all simply repeating what already exists.

Essex and Kent are the two of the largest and richest counties in England... yet there is only one transport link between them the western extremity of the area. The Dutch, French and indeed everyone else would have built three or more new bridges/tunnels further east... Today there will be another traffic jam on the M25 and hundreds of thousands will be wasted in the delays.

How were they funded