Work on the third crossing in Lowestoft has been set back by two months with highway construction taking longer than expected. 

The delay means that Farrans, the contractor for the £126.75m Gull Wing Bridge, has applied to extend the closure of Denmark Road until October 31.

This is to allow for the completion of the new northern roundabout and approach road to the bridge, as well as new drainage, attenuation ponds, and utilities works, on the northern side of Lake Lothing. 

Eastern Daily Press: The scale of the development and progress made on the Gull Wing third crossing in Lowestoft in a photo taken in May. The scale of the development and progress made on the Gull Wing third crossing in Lowestoft in a photo taken in May. (Image: Mike Page)

READ MORE: New aerial images highlight third crossing works progress

Simon Bretherton, Suffolk County Council project director, has apologised to residents for "the short-term disruption this road closure extension may cause".

He said: “The Gull Wing Bridge would be a complex and challenging infrastructure project at the best of times, to say nothing of the challenges of COVID and the global supply issues we have faced in the past few years. 

"We will continue to work with our contractor, Farrans, to complete the remaining works as quickly as we can.

Eastern Daily Press: Major steel sections of the Gull Wing bridge being installed.

READ MORE: Footpath changes as part of £126.75m third crossing works

"Although there will continue to be some disruption in the short term, the long-term benefits of the new bridge will be felt for many decades to come," he added.

The main bascule span is expected to be installed in the new year, pending agreement with Associated British Ports, during which time it’s expected the navigation channel will be closed for three weeks.

READ MORE: Huge steel spans installed on £126.75m bridge

The giant ‘J’ beams and bridge deck are currently being fabricated and assembled in Belgium and the Netherlands and will arrive by sea.

The installation and commissioning of the bascule span will form the final and most complex major element of the project. 

Once completed, there will be a short period of time for final commissioning and for staff to be trained in the operating of the bridge before it can be opened to the public in 2024. 

Seven of the bridge’s eight spans are in place and the new control room is under construction. The plant room building is also being fitted out.