THESE images from our archives show the major works which split Crouch Street in two.

Balkerne Hill dual carriageway was officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Colonel Sir John Ruggles-Brise, on April 18 1977 along with a footbridge to what was then St Mary’s Hospital.

Later work began to construct the car park, and then the housing development at the end of the footbridge, itself replaced three years ago.

When it was originally installed it was said to be the longest single span pedestrian bridge in Britain.

The bridge is next to Balkerne Gate, which is the most important surviving Roman gateway in the country and from where it takes its name.