A historic Victorian footbridge that has been closed off for more than three years looks set to reopen next week.

It comes as a £1m scheme of extensive works to repair and refurbish the 19th century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft is due to be completed.

Lowestoft Journal: The 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The footbridge was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria but was forced to close in 2020 for safety reasons.

With restoration work on the designated listed structure - which links North Parade to Belle Vue Park as it runs from over The Ravine – starting in September 2022, a road and footpath were closed at The Ravine.

The works were scheduled to last around eight months, running until May 12 last year.

Lowestoft Journal: The 19th Century Jubilee Bridge repair scheme in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe 19th Century Jubilee Bridge repair scheme in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

However, repairs were temporarily stopped for "safety reasons" and after "additional structural issues and corrosion" were identified upon resumption leading to delays, East Suffolk Council said in December that contractors were working to ensure the scheme was completed in February.

An East Suffolk Council spokesman said: "The Ravine road is due to reopen today (Friday).

"Works to the bridge are projected for completion next Friday, with an official reopening due thereafter."

The bridge has been temporarily closed since safety concerns were raised during an inspection in December 2020.

Lowestoft Journal: The 19th Century Jubilee Bridge repair scheme in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe 19th Century Jubilee Bridge repair scheme in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

In October 2021, East Suffolk Council and Lowestoft Town Council confirmed they were working together to finalise a "programme of repairs" to the Victorian footbridge.

Plans were lodged with East Suffolk Council in December 2021 to "repair and refurbish the acknowledged designated heritage asset".

A month later East Suffolk's scrutiny committee looked at £1m of funding being allocated for structural works and refurbishment.

In February 2022 the repair scheme for the bridge - which has been listed since 1993 - was approved, leading to a scheme of "extensive" works that started in September that year.