The next two steel sections of a long-awaited third crossing are set to arrive in a coastal town later this morning (Wednesday).

The huge steel spans being used in the construction of the £126.75m Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft are being delivered today.

The sections of the new bridge, which is being delivered by Suffolk County Council and built by Farrans Construction, had been scheduled to arrive on a barge at the weekend, but weather conditions at sea meant the barge didn't set sail.

Now the NAV2 and NAV3 viaducts have been barged over to Lowestoft from Rotterdam.

NAV 2, which is 42m long, and weighs 221 tonnes, will be situated between Pier 7 and Pier 6, linking to the already installed NAV 1.

NAV 3, which is 50m long and weighs 182 tonnes, will then be placed between Pier 6 and Pier 5 over the north bank of Lake Lothing.

Once they arrive, they will be moved into place, using a large 600 tonne capacity crane, with work to assemble this large structure now completed.

Lowestoft Journal: The first section of the Gull Wing bridge arrived in Lowestoft in March last year. Picture: Mick HowesThe first section of the Gull Wing bridge arrived in Lowestoft in March last year. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

According to a Gull Wing spokesman, the barge carrying NAV 2 and NAV 3 is being towed by the tug SMS Shoalbuster - and this is "currently sitting at the Pilot Station at Lowestoft."

A spokesman for the Gull Wing said its arrival is "still anticipated to come into the outer harbour at around 10.30am to travel through the bascule bridge at slack tide.

"This will result in the Bascule bridge having an extended opening time of about 15 minutes to allow the barge through – so please factor this into your journey plans."