Bridges in Lowestoft set to close

THE bascule bridge in Lowestoft is to be closed for three nights next month as maintenance and flood defence work takes place.Work to improve the bridge's defence against high tides by the Highways Agency has been organised to coincide with routine maintenance works by Associated British Ports.

THE bascule bridge in Lowestoft is to be closed for three nights next month as maintenance and flood defence work takes place.

Work to improve the bridge's defence against high tides by the Highways Agency has been organised to coincide with routine maintenance works by Associated British Ports.

As a result the bridge will be closed to traffic between 10pm and 6am for three nights from Tuesday, September 15, with a signed diversion in place and a free bus service to take pedestrians to the other side of the bridge.

Paul Undrell, Highways Agency construction manager, said: 'We are fully aware of the importance of the bridge and we have timed the works to coincide with routine maintenance outside the peak holiday season in a bid to keep disruption to a minimum. Closures will only take place overnight when traffic flows are lighter.'

The Mutford Lock bascule bridge is also set for closure during the early hours of two days next month. From midnight to 6am on September 10 and September 11, the bridge is set to close as Suffolk County Council undertakes maintenance work.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the adjacent footbridge, while a diversion route will be set up via the A12 bascule bridge.