A historic Victorian footbridge that has been closed off for more than three years is set to finally reopen.

With a £1m scheme of extensive works to repair and refurbish the 19th century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft having been carried out since September 2022, the "finishing touches" are being made ahead of the reopening on Monday (February 26).

Lowestoft Journal: The 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft is set to reopen. Picture: Mick HowesThe 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft is set to reopen. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

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

With restoration work on the designated listed structure - which links North Parade to Belle Vue Park as it runs from over The Ravine – starting in September 2022, a road and footpath were closed at The Ravine.

Lowestoft Journal: The Ravine Bridge repair scheme for the 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft, which is set to reopen. Picture: Mick HowesThe Ravine Bridge repair scheme for the 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft, which is set to reopen. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The works were scheduled to last around eight months, running until May 12 last year.

However, repairs were temporarily stopped for "safety reasons" and after "additional structural issues and corrosion" were identified upon resumption leading to delays, East Suffolk Council said in December that contractors were working to ensure the scheme was completed in February.

This saw The Ravine road reopen to motorists last Friday.

Lowestoft Journal: The Ravine Bridge repair scheme for the 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft, which is set to reopen. Picture: Mick HowesThe Ravine Bridge repair scheme for the 19th Century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft, which is set to reopen. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With works to the bridge "projected for completion" on Friday, February 23 "an official reopening" is due to take place thereafter.

An East Suffolk Council spokesman said: "The recent inclement weather has caused a slight delay in completing the finishing touches before reopening the bridge.

"However, the bridge is planned to open again on Monday."

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, with plans lodged in December 2021.

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

In February 2022 the repair scheme for the bridge - which has been listed since 1993 - was approved, leading to the "extensive" works.