Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft earmarked for February reopening

The 19th century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft - a designated listed structure - is earmarked to reopen in February once a scheme of works is completed.

It has been closed off for three years.

The 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Restoration work on the footbridge - which links North Parade to Belle Vue Park as it runs from the popular park over The Ravine – started in September 2022.

With a road and footpath closed at The Ravine, works were scheduled to last around eight months as it was due to run until May 12 this year.

The ongoing scheme of repair works. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

However, repairs were temporarily stopped for "safety reasons" earlier this year "following unforeseen delays".

After work resumed in June it was hoped that restoration of the Ravine Bridge would be completed by mid-December.

The ongoing scheme of repair works. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

But after "additional structural issues and corrosion" was identified, East Suffolk Council said that contractors are "working hard" to ensure the scheme is completed in February.

The ongoing scheme of repair works. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The footbridge was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria but was forced to close in 2020 for safety reasons.

The bridge in the early 1900s. Picture: Ivan Bunn (Image: Ivan Bunn)

An East Suffolk Council spokesman said: "Key structural areas of the bridge – which were uncovered during the blast cleaning phase of the works and following removal of steel plates installed as part of a previous repair – showed greater corrosion than had been anticipated.

"This led to the repairs being paused whilst appropriate approvals were put in place.

The ongoing scheme of repair works. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Subsequently, some further structural issues were encountered which are now being addressed and everyone involved in the scheme is pressing ahead to enable a reopening in the new year."

Cllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for corporate services. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Paul Ashton, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for corporate services, said: "This is an extensive refurbishment programme, with a core commitment to a restoration which retains as much of the original bridge as possible.

"It is important that we get this absolutely right and that we have a bridge which is not only safe, but a heritage asset for us all to enjoy."

Background

The bridge has been temporarily closed since safety concerns were raised during an inspection in December 2020.

In October 2021, East Suffolk Council and Lowestoft Town Council confirmed they were working together to finalise a "programme of repairs" to the Victorian footbridge.

Plans were lodged with East Suffolk Council in December 2021 to "repair and refurbish the acknowledged designated heritage asset".

A month later East Suffolk's scrutiny committee looked at £1m of funding being allocated for structural works and refurbishment.

In February last year the repair scheme for the bridge - which has been listed since 1993 - was approved, leading to a scheme of "extensive" works that started last September.