The Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing Development Consent Order 2020

Bridge operations

2.—(1) The following provisions apply to the undertaker.

(2) The bridge is to be operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, opening upon request, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule, for all marine traffic transiting the river Yare in the waters of the port.

(3) With the exception of a specified event, or in the circumstances detailed at sub-paragraph (8) and paragraph 107, the bridge is to be opened in sufficient time to allow the safe and unhindered passage of a vessel through the bridge.

(4) The undertaker is to ensure the bridge is manned and operated safely, by suitably qualified and experienced personnel at all times, in accordance with the prevailing applicable legislation.

(5) The undertaker is to provide suitable marine VHF radio equipment to monitor the port operational frequency to monitor and respond to Port Control, Vessels within the port, as well as maintaining an understanding of the flow of traffic and any developing marine emergencies.

(6) The undertaker is to provide, publicly promote, and constantly monitor the communications facilities for the purposes of receiving opening requests and opening request revisions.

(7) The undertaker is to cause and ensure that the bridge—

(a) is fully opened and in a safe condition for transit by a vessel by the time given in that vessel’s opening request or (as the case may be) revised opening request; and

(b) remains open for the duration of the vessel’s transit until the vessel is past and clear and it is safe to close.

(8) In the event of scheduled maintenance of the bridge structure, road surface, machinery or associated equipment, such that the bridge is unable to open upon request, the undertaker is to provide a minimum of 14 days notice, in writing, to GYPA stating the following;

(a) start date and time of the scheduled maintenance;

(b) duration the bridge will be out of operation; and

(c) scheduled date and time of the bridge returning to operational state.