‘History made’ as Lowestoft’s £146m Gull Wing Bridge opens

History was made as hundreds of people descended on a town’s new £146 million bridge.

Lowestoft’s 345-metre Gull Wing Bridge welcomed pedestrians for a two and a half hour slot today before two vintage buses from the East Anglian Transport Museum led the first vehicles over the crossing.

The bridge is open in time for tomorrow’s Tour of Britain, the final stage of which will set off from the town.

It is the town’s third river crossing, over Lake Lothing, and will form part of the A12.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, gave a speech from the bridge’s control town before the first vehicles rolled onto it.

He 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.

“It represents a new era of development and prosperity for Lowestoft. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Construction on the bridge started in April 2021 – it was built on behalf of the council by civil engineering contractor, Farrans.

It is hoped the new crossing will ease congestion and journey times in Lowestoft.

Tristram Browne, Project Manager at Farrans, 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."

Mr Browne added, through the build, Farrans employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships and engaged in community outreach projects.

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.