Significant benefits of £145m Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft

And officials have hailed the impact of the new £145m Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft "that is already bringing significant benefits to the town."

Having been discussed for decades, dreams became reality in September as the town's third crossing opened to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Hundreds of people await the arrival of Princess Anne to officially unveil the newly opened Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

And hundreds of people lined the bridge to mark the prestigious formal opening of the landmark yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

With the third crossing already bringing huge benefits through reduced congestion and improved mobility around the town, according to businesses and residents, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the iconic structure.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal unveils the commemorative plaque. Picture: Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council)

The bridge - which was built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by leading civil engineering contractor Farrans - has eased traffic congestion and shortened journey times in Lowestoft.

After arriving at the Riverside offices Princess Anne met the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Mrs Yvonne Gilchrist Mason OBE, Councillor Anthony Speca, the chair of East Suffolk Council, Mayor of Lowestoft Nasima Begum, MP for Lowestoft Jess Asato and Councillor Liz Harsant, the chair of Suffolk County Council.

Princess Anne arrives at the council offices ahead of officially unveiling the newly opened Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council) Lowestoft MP, Jess Asato, said: "It was an honour to have Princess Anne open the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft.

Princess Anne arriving ahead of officially unveiling the newly opened Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) "This bridge isn’t just about reducing traffic, it’s a symbol of what our community can achieve when we come together with determination and vision."

On a tour of the bridge, The Princess Royal saw the bascule wings up close before going into the control tower to press a button and raise the bridge -allowing The Excelsior - a traditional Lowestoft fishing smack - to sail through.

Excelsior sails through the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft at the official opening. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)Excelsior sails through the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft at the official opening. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Princess Royal - who is Patron of the Excelsior Trust, which restored and operates the boat - was given a warm three cheers as the historic vessel was joined by the Lowestoft RNLI relief lifeboat Eric's Legend and the Kingfisher pilot boat in sailing through the bridge.

'Dream come true'

Liz Harsant, Chair of Suffolk County Council, told the crowds: "As Your Royal Highness has seen, a third crossing had long been a dream for the people of Lowestoft.

Princess Anne walking on the newly opened Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft ahead of the official unveiling. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) "I am so pleased that that today you have been able to meet so many of those who, over the years, have worked tirelessly to make that dream come true.

Princess Anne walking on the newly opened Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft ahead of the official unveiling. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) "Of course, not everyone who had a hand in building the bridge can be here today, so I want to take this opportunity to extend my thanks, on behalf of the County Council and the people of Lowestoft, to all those who helped design and deliver this remarkable bridge for Lowestoft.

Princess Anne walking on the newly opened Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft ahead of the official unveiling. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) "Thank you also to Eva, Jack, and Hayden for suggesting such a fitting name for this new iconic landmark for Suffolk.

Princess Anne at the newly opened Gull Wing bridge control tower in Lowestoft ahead of the official unveiling. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) "A gull’s wing helps the bird soar higher and further than other birds – and my belief is that this bridge will help Lowestoft do the same."

'Transformational'

After the bridge was officially opened, Matthew Hicks, the leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "It was a great honour for Suffolk to welcome Her Royal Highness to Lowestoft to open this landmark bridge.

Joy as Princess Anne officially opens the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) "It is a wonderful piece of engineering that is already bringing significant benefits to the town and will do so for decades to come, so it was only fitting it should receive a Royal visit to formally mark its opening."

Princess Anne waves to the crowds after officially opening the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan) Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood said: “I know the importance of the Gull Wing bridge to the people of East Suffolk.

"It will be transformational for local people and businesses."

Facts and figures

The Gull Wing is the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world lifted using hydraulic cylinders.

It has cost in the region of £146 million - although final costs will not be known for several months, as final numbers will be reported to Suffolk County Council's Cabinet.

The bridge is 345 metres in length and provides a third crossing over Lake Lothing, linking the southern and northern parts of Lowestoft.

It is an eight span viaduct which also crosses the main railway line into Lowestoft and several local roads.

With the north and south approach embankments, the length of the crossing is approximately 700 metres.

There has been a local demand for the third crossing since the early 20th century.

The main bascule span across the navigation channel leaves a clear gap of 32 metres for marine vessels.

The bridge sits clear of the highest tide by 12m, meaning that the tips of the J-beams will usually be well over 50m above the sea below.

The bascule is designed to last 120 years.

It takes 116 seconds to open the bascule bridge in normal wind conditions.

Construction started on site in April 2021, with more than 20,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete used.