Reflecting on Lowestoft’s vital Bascule Bridge crossing

Crowds waiting along the Bascule Bridge in Lowestoft for the Eastern Lights Cavalcade in 2008. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2008)

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.

Bascule bridge, June 1978. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Lowestoft's double-bascule bridge, January 1994. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

The 50 ft span of Lowestoft's Double Bascule Bridge across the harbour channel when it was lowered for the first time and testedin November 1971. Picture: Archant Library

Boats make their way under the open Bascule Bridge at Lowestoft in 2008. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: ©Archant Photographic 2008)

Anglia Afloat Cruise 2011 craft at the Lowestoft Bascule Bridge. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant copyright 2011)