Suffolk County Council has celebrated the ‘long-awaited’ unveiling of the third Lake Lothing crossing in Lowestoft, the unique Gull Wing bridge, and heralded 'a new era of connectivity and regeneration'.
Thousands of local residents walked, wheeled and drove the town’s new bridge as it opened to the public on Saturday (7 September).
The county council said the structure, built by civil engineering contractor Farrans, promises to bring both immediate and long-term benefits to Lowestoft, its businesses and residents.
It added that by providing another route over Lake Lothing – a man-made navigable canal that links Oulton Broad to the North Sea – it will significantly ease traffic congestion in the town centre.
Funding for the £145m structure, which was originally due to open last year, included £73m from the Local Growth Fund.
Council leader Matthew Hicks said: ‘Today is a significant moment in Lowestoft’s proud history, and it was wonderful to see so many local people being part of it.
‘The Gull Wing will not only serve as a vital transport link between north and south Lowestoft, but also stands as an iconic new landmark for the town.’
Farrans project manager Tristram Browne said: ‘Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft.
‘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.’
A formal opening and naming ceremony is set to take place in November.
Facts and figures
- The Gull Wing is the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world lifted using hydraulic cylinders.
- It is 345 metres in length and links the southern and northern parts of Lowestoft.
- The main bascule span across the navigation channel leaves a clear gap of 32 metres for marine vessels.
- The bridge sits clear of the highest tide by 12m, meaning that the tips of the J-beams will usually be well over 50m above the sea below.
- The main foundations for the bridge are bored into the soil for a depth in excess of 60 metres.
- The bascule is designed to last 120 years.
- It takes 116 seconds to open the bascule bridge in normal wind conditions.
- The design of the J-beams is a nod to the role of Lowestoft in offshore wind farms off the coast of East Suffolk.
- The main steelwork was fabricated in Belgium and sections were transported across the North Sea.
- The name Gull Wing was chosen following a competition with local schools.
