It is a key crossing which has tested the patience of motorists for more than 45 years as thousands of drivers use the A47 Bascule Bridge in Lowestoft every day.

According to Highways England, the bridge carries around 13,600 vehicles a day over the beginning of the A47 through the town, as the road continues to then head north into Norfolk.

With the Port of Lowestoft harbour made up of two sections divided by the bascule bridge – which comes from the French term for balance scale – the drawbridge was opened in 1972 and was designed to have an expected 30-year lifespan. The bridge also provides access to the port, making it a 'key commercial spot' for Lowestoft.

But over the years delays, disruption and closures for repairs on the bridge have prompted widespread calls for a third crossing in Lowestoft to ease congestion.

Work is currently ongoing on a £230,000 scheme to replace the lifting mechanisms on the bridge.