Praise for design and layout of long-awaited third crossing as council prepares application

A sign has been put up showing that the land has been acquired for the third crossing project. Picture: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant © 2017)

The consultation ran for seven weeks from September 4 to October 23, and Suffolk County Council said the results have shown 'overwhelming support' for the crossing, with positive feedback received in relation to the design and layout.

The crossing will link from the A12 via Waveney Drive on the south side of Lake Lothing, to Denmark Road and Peto Way on the north side, easing traffic congestion at the A47 Bascule Bridge and the Mutford Lock bridge in Oulton Broad.

Waveney MP Peter Aldous said: 'It is excellent to see so many people engaged in the project and having their say on this important piece of infrastructure for East Anglia. The response we received shows how essential this project is to the community and for the local economy.'

The Third Crossing will connect Waveney Drive on the south side of the town to Peto Way on the north side of Lowestoft. Picture: WSP. (Image: Archant)

The full set of consultation results will be available when the council submits its application to the planning inspectorate in the spring.

Colin Noble, leader of Suffolk County Council, added: 'The project has taken a significant step forward thanks to all those who took part in the consultation. The views of the public are greatly appreciated and will help with the development of the scheme.'

The process to appoint the contractor for the project started last year and in November an event was held at the Riverside council offices in Lowestoft for those interested in submitting a bid. The contract is due to be awarded this summer.

The proposed design for the Lake Lothing Third Crossing, pictured with the bridge open. (Image: Archant)

Ground investigation works are also still ongoing with the team now working on the south side and Riverside road area, having started their investigations on the north side of Lake Lothing back in August. The works include digging trial holes and boreholes both on land and in the water, helping to produce a detailed design for the new bridge piers and foundations.

The next stage of the project is to analyse the consultation findings and prepare the application for development consent. The document will be reviewed by the planning inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State, and if acceptable, a date will then be set for the public examination.

It is hoped construction will begin in 2019 with the crossing due to open in 2022.

Investigation work taking place for the Lake Lothing Third Crossing. Picture: Nick Butcher. (Image: Archant © 2017)

For more information visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/lakelothing3rdcrossing