Following a 32 hour crossing from Ghent, by barge, the first sighting of the section of the north approach viaduct (NAV1) could be seen arriving at the construction site on Lake Lothing.
The bridge is to be constructed for Suffolk County Council by civil engineering contractor Farran. The steel work is to be fabricated by Victor Buyck Steel in Belgium.
NAV1, which is 55 metres long weighing 380 tonnes on delivery. When ready to move into its final position spanning the EastSuffolk railway line it will weigh approximately 1,450 tonnes. NAV1 will soon be moved to a platform where a concrete slab deck will be cast in situ before the entire span is moved and placed in the final position during a weekend railway possession.
The Gull Wing Bridge, across Lake Lothing, is to be a lifting bridge to allow tall vessels to pass, it will be higher than the existing bascule bridge so that more boats can pass underneath without having to lift it. It will link Waveney Drive on the south side with Denmark Road and Peto Way on the north side.
Peter Aldous, local MP says that this is an exciting project particularly now that people can see the bridge taking shape and it will completely change the way we move around and do business at Lowestoft.
Following superb organisation in Belgium and Lowestoft, Neil Rogers Farrans project manager says they are extremely proud to have have this integral piece on site as the arrival of NAV1 is a major milestone for the progress of the Gull Wing Project, and for our team who have gone to great lengths to prepare for the many technical challenges involved in receiving and moving this large section of the bridge.
Work has been progressing well with significant changes to the landscape now visible. More large sections will arrive during the coming months when the local community will be able to see the bridge appearing above the water line.