Bad weather delays Lowestoft Gull Wing bridge sections

The next two steel sections being used in the construction of the £126.75m Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft were expected to arrive this weekend.

But the steel spans are now likely to be delivered next week.

Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The sections of the new bridge, which is being delivered by Suffolk County Council and built by Farrans Construction, had been scheduled to arrive on a barge this weekend.

However, a spokesman for the county council said: "Due to the weather conditions at sea the barge won't be setting sail, so nothing will be happening this weekend."

It is understood that the delivery of the next two steel sections of the bridge - NAV2 and NAV3 - will now take place next week as the viaducts are planned to be barged over to Lowestoft from Rotterdam.

NAV 2, which is 42m long, and weighs 221 tonnes, will be situated between Pier 7 and Pier 6, linking to the already installed NAV 1.

NAV 3, which is 50m long and weighs 182 tonnes, will then be placed between Pier 6 and Pier 5 over the north bank of Lake Lothing.

Once they arrive, they will then be moved into place, using a large 600 tonne capacity crane, with work to assemble this large structure gathering pace at the scene - as these images show.

The large crane being assembled in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A spokesman for the Gull Wing said: "Construction of the Liebherr LR1600 crane continues to be built on the north bank of Lake Lothing."

The cranes being assembled for construction of the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As this process started on Thursday, the spokesman added: "The crane will move the two structures from the barge at quayside into place.

Work continuing on construction of the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The crane will take a total of four days to put together, delivered via 18 lorries."