The bascule span is 39.5 metres long, 22 metres wide and 35 metres tall and will weigh approximately 1120 tonnes when delivered to site and 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.
During the installation and commissioning phase, approximately 380 tonnes of heavyweight concrete will be added to the J-beams as an extra counterweight. This will bring the total weight of the bridge during operation to approximately 1100 tonnes.
Once installed, the bridge will maintain a clearance of 12 meters above the highest tide, ensuring that the tips of the J-beams typically tower over 50 meters above the sea below. When the bridge is retracted into the open position, the road-carrying end of the span will rise to over 60 metres above the tide below.
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The completed bascule bridge will be the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world lifted using hydraulic cylinders.
Tristram Browne, Project Manager for Farrans Construction, said: "The arrival of the signature sections of the Gull Wing bridge is another exciting milestone for our team, our client and for the town of Lowestoft. The forthcoming installation is a highly technical and challenging feat of civil engineering which will take place over the next three weeks. Our team is well prepared and we are looking forward to working with our supply chain to safely install and commission the bascule bridge span, progressing this important project further towards completion.
"We hope that the anticipation surrounding this project will inspire more young people to consider the career opportunities that exist within this industry, and we have been proud to deliver many workshops and site visits for local schools since the start of this project."
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "The arrival of the bascule span into Lowestoft signals that we are in the home stretch of this significant project. The long-awaited Gull Wing bridge will make travel between north and south Lowestoft easier, reduce traffic congestion, and be a catalyst for regeneration. It is a promise delivered for the people of Lowestoft and Suffolk."
Simon Bretherton, Project Director at Suffolk County Council, said: "As well as the most challenging, this is the most impressive of all the Gull Wing deliveries and the huge J beams will transform Lowestoft’s skyline. Over the coming days, we will begin positioning the bascule span ready for its installation. There are still challenges and risks to overcome, but, once installed, we will enter into the final commissioning phase and begin making preparations for opening the bridge to the public."
Lake Lothing will now be closed to marine traffic for three weeks from 8 March while the main bascule span is installed.
