The long-anticipated Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft is finally open, marking a significant infrastructure milestone. The £146M project was completed by contractor Farrans and will serve as a crucial tactical diversion route when the existing Bascule Bridge is closed. Sitting clear of the highest tide by 12m, this engineering marvel is the largest rolling bascule bridge globally. The Gull Wing not only promises to ease traffic congestion but also stands as a symbolic landmark of development and unity for the community.
The Gull Wing Bridge, a project of considerable anticipation and investment, has opened to the public today, Saturday, 7 September, following its completion by contractor Farrans. This £146 million undertaking provides a vital diversionary route over Lake Lothing, catering to the transportation demands when the current Bascule Bridge, a parallel crossing, is out of service.
Farrans Construction has delivered this engineering feat with precision. The bridge spans eight sections and stands 12 metres above the highest tide, ensuring a substantial clearance over the sea. Notably, when the bridge moves into the open position, it achieves a remarkable height with its road span rising over 60 metres above the tide, a testament to its advanced design and construction.
The structural intricacies include a 148-metre long north approach viaduct with three spans, the northernmost of which transcends the East Suffolk railway line, and a four-span south approach viaduct stretching 154 metres long. Its two piers in water and five on land underscore the bridge’s robust construction, poised to transform traffic flow in Lowestoft.
This project, funded through a substantial contribution from the Department for Transport and Suffolk County Council, has long been a promise to the town’s residents. As Suffolk County Council leader Matthew Hicks expressed, the realisation of Gull Wing Bridge marks not just the fulfilment of a promise but the start of a new era for Lowestoft, ushering in development and growth.
The project also embodies a strong commitment to social value, with 76 local individuals employed, apprenticeships facilitated, and various community projects supported through significant donations. Project Manager Tristram Browne emphasised the legacy left by this construction, highlighting the engagement and memorable experiences shared with the local population during the project’s execution.
The opening of the Gull Wing Bridge marks a transformative chapter for Lowestoft, promising improved connectivity and symbolising the town’s advancement.
