Span of Lowestoft's £145m Gull Wing Bridge arrives

The bascule span arrived from the Netherlands on Monday morning

The final section of a £145m bridge has arrived in a Suffolk town, bringing a major project one step closer to completion.

The bascule span is the largest part of the Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft, which will provide the town with a long-awaited third water crossing.

Lake Lothing will be closed for three weeks from 8 March, while the section is installed.

Councillor Matthew Hicks said it was a "catalyst for regeneration".

Suffolk County Council said the bridge would be the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world, with the bascule span 129.6ft (39.5m) long, 72ft (22m) wide and 115ft (35m) tall.

The bascule span of the Gull Wing Bridge arriving at Lake Lothing in Lowestoft

The Gull Wing Bridge will provide a third crossing in Lowestoft, in addition to the existing Lowestoft Bascule Bridge and Mutford Lock Bridge

Mr Hicks said: "The long-awaited Gull Wing Bridge will make travel between north and south Lowestoft easier, reduce traffic congestion, and be a catalyst for regeneration."

The bascule span was initially due to arrive in early January but was delayed so further testing could be completed.

Once installed, the bridge will sit clear of the highest tide by 39ft (12m) and the J-beams will be more than 164ft (50m) above the sea below.

Simon Bretherton said the bascule span is the most challenging and most impressive all the bridge sections

Simon Bretherton, the council's project director, said the structure would "transform" the town's skyline.

"We're obviously delighted to see the final piece of the jigsaw arrive into Lowestoft and immensely proud of the team that's made all of this happen," he continued.

He hoped the bridge would provide a "lasting benefit" to the community.