A busy road that has been closed for more than a year for vital works is set to reopen next week.
Vital construction works started on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft in September 2021 last year as part of the continuing third crossing roadworks being carried out ahead of the construction of the new £126.75m Gull Wing bridge.
With a section of Waveney Drive being closed, the county council said last year it was "the most efficient, least disruptive and safest option available," ahead of construction of the Gull Wing bridge.
The well-used road was closed until August this year, when it reopened temporarily in both directions on August 14 to mitigate effects on traffic in Lowestoft from other unconnected roadworks, including allowing for the installation of a safety scheme near Pakefield Primary School.
After being temporarily reopened for three weeks amid the continuing third crossing roadworks, Waveney Drive was closed again on Sunday, September 4.
Waveney Drive in Lowestoft is to re-open to traffic in time for Christmas after its closure for works as part of the construction of the Gull Wing bridge.
— Gull Wing - Lowestoft (@gullwingbridge) December 9, 2022
The route is scheduled to be re-opened from 7.30 am on Wednesday December 14 2022 (1 of 4) pic.twitter.com/q0iqa4QY9b
However, "another milestone" in the construction of the long-awaited third crossing will be marked next week.
Waveney Drive will reopen to traffic in time for Christmas, as the route is scheduled to be re-opened from 7.30am on Wednesday, December 14 following the completion of a new roundabout and other associated works.
Suffolk County Council said "full vehicle movements will be permitted in both westerly and easterly directions", with vehicles requiring access to the Riverside Business Park "able to do so via Waveney Drive and the newly constructed Colin Law Way".
Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from the opening with improved pathways and facilities connecting to the Tom Crisp Way area.
A county council spokesman said: "The footpath heading west from Durban Road up Waveney Drive towards Colin Law Way will remain temporarily closed for a few weeks whilst completion works take place, and there will also be minor works in the New Year that may require temporary traffic management for short periods of time."
Temporary advisory and directional signs will be in place highlighting the new layout and any remaining pedestrian diversion.
Reaction
Suffolk County Council leader, Matthew Hicks, said: "This is another milestone on the road to the building of the bridge that will bring huge benefits to Lowestoft and the wider area for many years to come.
"These were significant works which were necessary to connect the new crossing with the existing road network and we are very grateful for the patience and support of people while they were taking place."
With leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction overseeing construction works on the Gull Wing, on behalf of Suffolk County Council, the bridge is due to open in 2023.
Once open, it will provide a much-needed third crossing over the town’s Lake Lothing, reducing traffic congestion in Lowestoft and helping to regenerate the area and attract new investment for the local economy.
Keep up to date with all of the latest delays on the roads via the Live Traffic Map.
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