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
. Humber Bridge memories
Work began on the world's longest single-span suspension bridge in March 1973. It was scheduled for completion four years later at an estimated cost of £16 million. Photo: YPN
. Humber Bridge memories
But constructional difficulties, bad weather and labour problems slowed progress and pushed the cost higher and higher. Photo: YPN
. Humber Bridge memories
First in the queue on the north bank was a car transporter driven by David Fowler who had been parked since 2pm the previous day. Behind him, in the first car in the queue , was Christine Goodrum. She had promised her three God-children they would be among the first to cross the bridge. Photo: YPN
2. Humber Bridge memories
Work began on the world's longest single-span suspension bridge in March 1973. It was scheduled for completion four years later at an estimated cost of £16 million. Photo: YPN
3. Humber Bridge memories
But constructional difficulties, bad weather and labour problems slowed progress and pushed the cost higher and higher. Photo: YPN
4. Humber Bridge memories
First in the queue on the north bank was a car transporter driven by David Fowler who had been parked since 2pm the previous day. Behind him, in the first car in the queue , was Christine Goodrum. She had promised her three God-children they would be among the first to cross the bridge. Photo: YPN
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