Spectacular new £145m Gull Wing bridge to open in Lowestoft

The multi million-pound Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft may have been decades in the making, but an important milestone for the town is set to be realised this weekend.

This Saturday, September 7 the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world to be lifted using hydraulic cylinders will open to the public.

The progress made on the Gull Wing third crossing development in Lowestoft was captured in this aerial photo from July. Picture: Mike Page (Image: MIKE PAGE)

And locals will get the chance to take their first steps across the 345 metre Gull Wing bridge as a community walkabout is held between 9am and 11.30am.

Heralding a new era of connectivity and regeneration for the town, people will be able to get a close look at the bridge's design without any traffic getting in the way, before the Gull Wing bridge opens to traffic from noon.

The new bridge, which was built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by leading civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction, will then be officially unveiled at a formal civic opening and naming ceremony on Tuesday, November 19.

The £145m Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Construction started in spring 2021, and it is hoped the £145m third crossing over Lake Lothing will transform how traffic moves around the town as it is set to reduce traffic congestion in Lowestoft, helping to regenerate the area and attract new investment for the local economy.

Tristram Browne, project manager at Farrans, said: "During the delivery of this project we have employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships, volunteered on local community projects and donated significant sums to local charities.

The Gull Wing's bascule span being installed. Picture: CHPV Offshore Film & Photography (Image: CHPV Offshore Film & Photography)

"We have brought the region on the journey of the bridge build with us, creating some memorable sights with the arrival of the bridge and bascule sections.

"It has been a pleasure to work on such a complex, technical project and we would like to thank the local community for their support."

'Spectacular'

The bridge has been visited by Lowestoft MP Jess Asato, who hailed it as a transformative development for the town.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato visits the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Jess Asato (Image: Jess Asato)

Speaking after her visit, Ms Asato said: "The Gull Wing bridge is a spectacular piece of engineering that will help elevate Lowestoft as a town.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato visits the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Jess Asato (Image: Jess Asato)

"Over the past few years, the Gull Wing bridge has seen the dedicated efforts of over 1,500 workers, contributing to what is not only a key infrastructure project but a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

"We should all be proud that it opens this Saturday and with the eyes of the country on Lowestoft for the Tour of Britain, it’s just in time."

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato visits the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Jess Asato (Image: Jess Asato)

Ms Asato hailed the efforts of her predecessors in office, adding: "I would like to pass on my thanks to my predecessor Peter Aldous, and before that the late Bob Blizzard, both for their tireless campaigning to make the third crossing possible alongside many other community activists."