Opening date of Lowestoft’s multi-million pound Gull Wing Bridge announced

The opening date of a town’s new multi-million pound bridge has been announced.

Lowestoft’s Gull Wing Bridge will open to the public next Saturday – just in time for the Tour of Britain, which will take place the following day.

A rolling road closure will be put in the place on Sunday morning to allow cyclists to cross the bridge ahead of final stage between Lowestoft and Felixstowe.

Meanwhile, residents have been invited to experience the bridge up close before it opens to traffic at midday on Saturday.

From 9am to 11.30am, the bridge will be open to pedestrians only, offering the chance to take pictures and enjoy the views without any traffic.

Parking is not available so those planning to attend the event are encouraged to use public transport or travel by foot where possible.

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

“The council promised we would build a new bridge, and I am delighted to announce 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.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.”

The construction of the bridge began in April 2021, and was built on behalf of the council by a civil engineering contractor Farrans.

The £146 million bridge will form part of the A12 and add another water crossing to the town.

It is hoped the bridge – spanning 345 metres across Lake Lothing – will help to ease congestion in the town centre and shorten journey times.

Tristram Browne, project manager at Farrans, said he was proud to have delivered the iconic bridge to the town.

“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,” he added.

“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.

“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."

The bridge is the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world using hydraulic cylinders.

It will sit clear of the highest tide by 12m, meaning that the tips of the J-beams will usually be 50m above the sea below.

When the bridge is rolled back in the open position, the end of the bridge span will be 60m above the tide below.

The formal opening and naming ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday, November 19.

Additional details will be provided at a later date.