Lowestoft's Lake Lothing to shut to marine traffic as Gull Wing Bridge work continues
The navigation channel into the lake will shut for three weeks early next year
The entrance to Lowestoft's Lake Lothing is set to be closed off for three weeks early next year as work continues on the town's new Gull Wing Bridge.
The navigation channel will be closed to water traffic from the 22nd of January, while the main span of the new crossing is lifted into place.
The bascule span is due to arrive via sea from the Netherlands, before the delicate process if rotating it and lifting it into place begins.
It will be one of the final pieces of the third bridge to be completed. It's estimated ÂŁ150m will have been spent on the new crossing by the time its finished next year.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The publication of this Notice is another significant milestone in the delivery of the Gull Wing, which will deliver huge benefits to residents and businesses in Lowestoft by reducing traffic congestion and providing a catalyst for regeneration."
"The arrival of the bascule bridge by sea and its installation will be the biggest sign yet that this long-awaited scheme is becoming reality.”
Tristram Browne, Project Manager at Farrans, said: “All of the Farrans team are looking forward with pride to what will be the last significant milestone in the project before the opening of the new crossing of Lake Lothing to the public."
"There has been a huge effort from all involved so far, to progress the project in readiness to receive the final bascule bridge span, which will be the most visually impressive, changing the skyline of Lowestoft for the next century or more.”