Maintenance work to help keep the bascule bridge in Lowestoft operating safely over Lake Lothing will see the A12 over it closed for eight nights.

Work will include the fitting of new hydraulic valves on the bridge,

While the work is carried out for eight nights between Monday, November 19 and Friday, November 30 the bridge will be closed in both directions and clearly signed diversions will be in place.

The work will take place between the hours of 8pm and 6am during the week and it will end on 6am on Friday, November 30.

No work will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Highways Agency project manager, Brian Pitkin, said: 'Structures such as the bascule bridge require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe and reliable for road users.

'We recognise how vital the bascule bridge is to the people of Lowestoft and that is why it is a priority to ensure the bridge is operational.

'By carrying out the work overnight and avoiding the busier weekend nights, we can minimise the disruption for the people of Lowestoft.

'I would advise drivers to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time if they feel this work will affect their journey.'

In February official figures showed the bridge was closed for repairs on more than 151 nights over the past five years.

The figures, released after a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, also revealed that last year alone there were 21 overnight closures of the bridge, which was designed in 1972 to have a maximum 30-year lifespan.

?The following diversions will be in place while the work takes place:

Northbound local traffic will be diverted via the A146, turning right onto the A1117, and following Normanston Drive and St Peters Street to rejoin the A12 at the second roundabout on St Peter's Street. Southbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse.

National traffic heading north will follow the diversion via the A1117 to rejoin the A12 at the Tesco roundabout.

Southbound national traffic will use the same diversion in reverse.