People will be able to walk over Lowestoft's new £145m bridge for the first time ahead of its opening.

Suffolk County Council funded the creation of the 345-metre Gull Wing bridge, which provides access across Lake Lothing, the main railway line into Lowestoft and several local roads, linking the southern and northern parts of the town.

It is hoped it will ease traffic congestion in the town centre and - with cycle and pedestrian facilities on either side - offer a safer route for those choosing sustainable means of travel.

Locals can take their first steps across the bridge during a community walkabout on Saturday, September 7 between 9am and 11.30am.

This way, people can look at the bridge's design and views up close without any traffic getting in the way.

It will open to traffic from noon and the Tour de Britain will cross it as part of its preliminary ride-out on the morning of Sunday, September 8.

READ MORE: Road closures announced for Tour of Britain Men in Suffolk

The bridge's formal civic opening and naming ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 19.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The people of Lowestoft have waited for a third river crossing over Lake Lothing for a long time.

"Suffolk County Council promised we would build a new bridge, and I am delighted to announce today that we have delivered on that promise.

“The Gull Wing will not only serve as a vital transportation link between north and south, but also stands as an iconic new landmark for the town, representing a new era of development and prosperity for Lowestoft."

Tristram Browne, project manager at Farrans which completed the construction, said: "Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft.

"We have been able to leave a lasting legacy not only with the completion of the bridge but also through our programme of social value and stakeholder engagement."