Farrans’ Gull Wing bridge faces delay

It is expected that once operational, the bridge will reduce traffic congestion in Lowestoft and attract investment opportunities to the area.

Despite the delay to the road opening, the council said the construction of the bridge itself “continues to make good progress”, adding that the concreting of the bridge deck slabs is “well underway” on both sides of Lake Lothing.

The new control room at the top of the control tower is also under construction. 

Suffolk County Council project director Simon Bretherton said that “significant challenges” remain with the installation, testing and commissioning of the moving bascule span.

The main bascule span is expected to be installed in the new year, pending agreement with Associated British Ports, during which time it’s expected the navigation channel will be closed for three weeks. 

The giant ‘J’ beams and bridge deck are currently being fabricated and assembled in Belgium and the Netherlands and will arrive by sea.

The installation and commissioning of the moving superstructure will form the final and most complex major element of this “unique and challenging project”.

Bretherton added: “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.”

The bridge is expected to open to the public in 2024.