Britain's Greatest Bridges

Engineer Rob Bell narrates the story of the Humber Bridge, which was recognised as the world’s longest single‑span suspension bridge from its opening in 1981 until 1998. The programme details the engineering achievements and the bridge’s iconic status in the UK.

The Humber Bridge is presented as a single‑episode programme that focuses on one of Britain’s most recognisable pieces of infrastructure. It is billed simply as an episode, with no additional production details supplied, and the title itself tells you exactly what the show will be about – the famous crossing over the Humber estuary. In the episode, engineer Rob Bell takes the viewer through the history of the bridge, narrating its development and significance. Bell’s account centres on the bridge’s claim to fame: from its opening in 1981 until 1998 it held the world record for the longest single‑span suspension bridge. His narration is the sole guide through the facts, keeping the story tightly focused on that achievement. The programme highlights the period between 1981 and 1998, when the Humber Bridge stood unrivalled as the longest span of its type. By concentrating on this specific timeframe, the episode underscores how the bridge’s engineering pushed the limits of suspension design for nearly two decades. Throughout, Rob Bell’s explanations remain the backbone of the narrative, giving viewers a clear picture of why the bridge was such a landmark in civil engineering history.