Third Crossing's big boost

A CAMPAIGN supported by The Journal and Waveney MP Bob Blizzard to create a third crossing in Lowestoft received a major boost this week.

On Wednesday highways chiefs agreed to carry out studies which could pave the way for millions of pounds in funding.

An announcement that the Highways Agency would carry out preliminary investigations was greeted with delight following a meeting in the Commons.

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard called on the agency to compensate Lowestoft for delays to repair work on the town's bascule bridge.

Mr Blizzard said: “This is an important step forward and sets the ball rolling for a third crossing, although there is clearly still a long way to go.

“This is the best way for the Highways Agency to make it up to Lowestoft. At last we can make some progress to what Lowestoft needs most and what people most want.

“The saga of the bridge repairs has underlined how much we need a third crossing, but as yet we don't even have a scheme to put forward in the funding bid.”

The announcement was also significant because Suffolk County Council backed the agency study.

Mr Blizzard previously insisted that no bid for regional funding would be successful unless the council adopted a third crossing as official policy.

The agency will complete a study by the autumn into where a third crossing across Lake Lothing should be sited to enable a bid for regional funding to be made at the end of the year.

A solution is seen as vital to boost wider plans to regenerate Lowestoft's waterfront areas under a scheme being overseen by 1st East.

Suffolk County Council also pledged to push forward plans to develop a northern spine link road in north Lowestoft as well as improvements to the railway.

Guy McGregor, the county councillor with responsibility for roads and transport, said: “This is good news for Lowestoft and I really am delighted by this outcome.”

Waveney District Council leader Mark Bee added: “At long last we may be able to see the prospect of a new crossing.”