A multi-million-pound bridge, decades in the making, has opened, with hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists the first to cross the spectacular structure.

Hundreds of people headed to be among the first to cross Lowestoft's Gull Wing bridgeHundreds of people headed to be among the first to cross Lowestoft's Gull Wing bridge (Image: Mick Howes)

Lowestoft’s £145m Gull Wing bridge was opened to people on foot and bicycles at 9am on Saturday (September 7) and to traffic at noon, with vintage buses the first vehicles to cross.



People formed queues to be among the first to walk over the 345m long bridge - the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world lifted using hydraulic cylinders.

The Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft opened on Saturday (September 7)The Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft opened on Saturday (September 7) (Image: Suffolk County Council)

People snapped selfies and walked their dogs over the bridge, which has become the third crossing over Lake Lothing.

Suzanne Hindes and Monica Brewster, both from Lowestoft, were among the first to cross the Gull Wing bridgeSuzanne Hindes and Monica Brewster, both from Lowestoft, were among the first to cross the Gull Wing bridge (Image: Mick Howes)

Suzanne Hindes, from Lowestoft, was among the first to cross it.

She said: “We have waited so long for this. It’s been talked about for my whole life.

“The one in Yarmouth has relieved the congestion there and we’re hoping this will do the same for Lowestoft.”

Alex Malatras, a controls engineer in the control tower at Lowestoft's Gull Wing bridgeAlex Malatras, a controls engineer in the control tower at Lowestoft's Gull Wing bridge (Image: Mick Howes)

Monica Brewster, also from Lowestoft, said: “It’s a real landmark for the town. For a little town like Lowestoft to have something like this is fantastic.”

Tim NathanTim Nathan (Image: Dan Grimmer)

Tim Nathan, from Kessingland, said: “This will be really good for the town and ought to stop the congestion on the Bascule Bridge, which can be a nightmare.”

People flocked to try out the Gull Wing bridge in LowestoftPeople flocked to try out the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft (Image: Mike Howes)

Built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by engineering firm Farrans Construction, work started in spring 2021.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County CouncilMatthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council (Image: Mick Howes)

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Today is a great day for Lowestoft.

“We have a really iconic bridge, which is just so visual that you almost gasp when you see this great structure.

A vintage bus was among the first vehicles to cross the Gull Wing bridgeA vintage bus was among the first vehicles to cross the Gull Wing bridge (Image: Mick Howes)

“Many businesses said what was holding them back was transport links and the congestion around the town.

“This bridge will help reduce that and make a real difference.”

 

The Gull Wing bridge in LowestoftThe Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft (Image: Suffolk County Council)

Simon Bretherton, project director, said: “Congestion has been a blight on people’s lives for years and years.

“This bridge, with the A12 running over it, will become the main route.

“Because it is much higher than the Bascule Bridge, it will have to open much less frequently, which will help ease that congestion.

The raised Gull Wing bridge in LowestoftThe raised Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft (Image: Mick Howes)

“And the design is very special. It’s very striking and we anticipate that will attract people’s attention, encouraging regeneration and investment in the town.”