Farrans constructed the iconic Gull Wing bridge, Lowestoft’s third crossing over Lake Lothing, by Suffolk County Council.
Client
Suffolk County Council
The Project
The iconic Gull Wing bridge opened to the public on Saturday 7 September 2024, heralding a new era of connectivity and regeneration for the town.
Construction work on this project began in spring 2021 and offered employment and training opportunities for the local area through ourselves and our supply chain to leave a lasting legacy within Suffolk.
The bascule span is 39.5m long, 22m wide and 35m tall and weighs approx. 1120 tonnes when positioned. This is made up of 750 tonnes of permanent structural steelwork and an additional 370 tonnes of temporary ballast to ensure the bridge stability during installation.
An additional counterweight of heavyweight concrete was placed within the J-beams during the installation and commissioning phase of approx. 380 tonnes resulting in the total weight of the bridge during operation being approx. 1100 tonnes.
The bridge will sit 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. When the bridge is rolled back in the open position, the end of the bridge span that carries the road will be over 60m above the tide below. The completed bascule bridge will be the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world lifted using hydraulic cylinders.
The bridge not only addresses longstanding issues with traffic congestion but will also act as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting new investment and positioning Lowestoft as a dynamic and forward-looking commercial centre and community.
By providing another route over Lake Lothing, the Gull Wing bridge will significantly ease traffic congestion in the town centre, shortening journey times and improving journey reliability. Modern cycle and pedestrian facilities on either side will encourage more sustainable modes of transport and better connect communities on the north and south of the waterway.
The bridge is expected to attract new businesses and trade to the area, create new job opportunities and to streamline logistics and transportation – laying the foundation for continued growth in the town and surrounding area for many decades to come.
Tristram Browne, Project Manager at Farrans, said:
“Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft. We have been able to leave a lasting legacy not only with the completion of the bridge but also through our programme of social value and stakeholder engagement. During the delivery of this project we have employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships, volunteered on local community projects and donated significant sums to local charities.
“We have brought the region on the journey of the bridge build with us, creating some memorable sights with the arrival of the bridge and bascule sections. It has been a pleasure to work on such a complex, technical project and we would like to thank the local community for their support.”
Awards
2024
Bronze at The CCS National Awards.