Plans for a bridge were originally drawn up in the 1930s, and were revised in 1955, but work did not begin until 1972. The bridge was finally opened in 1981.
At the time of opening, the Humber Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world, with a centre span of 1,410 metres. Its total length is 2,220 metres.
The bridge's surface takes the form of a dual carriageway with a lower-level footpath on both sides.
Each tower consists of a pair of hollow vertical concrete columns each 155.5 metres tall. The columns tapering from 6 metres square at the base to 4.5 x 4.75 metres at the top. The bridge is designed to tolerate constant motion and bends more than three metres in winds of 80mph. The towers are 36mm further apart at the top than the bottom as a result of the curvature of the earth.
The north tower is on the bank, and has foundations down to 8 metres. The south tower is in the water, and descends to 36 metres as a consequence of the shifting sandbanks that make up the estuary.
There is sufficient wire in the suspension cables to circle the Earth nearly twice.
The bridge held the record for the worlds longest single span suspension bridge for 17 years from its openning on 24 June 1981.
The road-distance between Kingston-upon-Hull and Grimsby is reduced by nearly 50 miles as a consequence of the bridge, which has a toll of £2.40 (as of late 2002).