Lowestoft's new Gull Wing Bridge delayed until 2024
Road closures are also set to remain in place for longer - to allow work to be completed
Last updated 21st Aug 2023
Road closures around Lowestoft's new Gull Wing Bridge are to remain in place for a further month, as work on the approach to the new river crossing is taking longer than expected.
Suffolk County Council insists work on the third river crossing itself is making 'good progress', with seven of the eight bridge spans already in place.
However the completion date has now been put back to 2024. The crossing was originally set to open later this year
A new plant room building and control tower are well under construction, with the main span of the bascule bridge set to be installed next year.
Denmark Road is now expected to remain closed until October, rather than September as originallu planned.
Simon Bretherton, Suffolk County Council Project Director, said: “The Gull Wing Bridge would be a complex and challenging infrastructure project at the best of times, to say nothing of the challenges of COVID and the global supply issues we have faced in the past few years.
“We apologise for the short-term disruption this road closure extension may cause, and we are grateful to residents for their continued patience and understanding. We will continue to work with our contractor, Farrans, to complete the remaining works as quickly as we can.
"Although there will continue to be some disruption in the short term, the long-term benefits of the new bridge will be felt for many decades to come.
“Residents can see for themselves the substantial progress made during the past few months as the local skyline is punctuated by the new structure, and the scale of this project becomes more apparent each day.
"Significant risks and challenges do remain, particularly with the installation, testing and commissioning of the moving bascule span.
"A clearer view of the timetable for its completion and opening will emerge as we undertake that final major component during a closure of the main navigation channel in the new year.
“We recognise and share the eagerness locally to have the bridge open in order to improve the connection between the north and south of the town, reduce congestion, and attract new trade and businesses to the area.
"I can assure residents that the teams are working hard to deliver that as soon as possible.”