Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Background

The Bascule Bridge was built in 1972.  The mechanical and electrical systems that control the bridge were originally designed to last 25 years and are now obsolete or wearing out.   As time goes on the bridge is becoming increasingly unreliable with breakdowns leading to emergency closures and more disruption to traffic.  The refurbishment work that we are undertaking will ensure that the bridge remains operational for years to come. 

Earlier this year, we consulted with the local authorities, emergency services, business and other representatives of the local community about the likely impact of the closures and the best approach to managing and minimising disruption.  In view of the disruption caused by other road improvement schemes and works in Lowestoft in recent months, it was decided that a programme of Sunday/Monday closures would have the least damaging effect on the town's economy.  These closures are essential, without them we cannot complete the work to replace and refurbish all the electrical, mechanical and control systems that keep the lifting bridge operational.