Local residents and business owners are being handed the chance to have their say on the proposals for the much-anticipated Lake Lothing Third Crossing in Lowestoft.

Eastern Daily Press: Many locals are desperate for the crossing to be built so that traffic congestion is eased. Picture: WSP.Many locals are desperate for the crossing to be built so that traffic congestion is eased. Picture: WSP. (Image: Archant)

Members of the community can now also watch a video of a virtual flyover, providing viewers with a visual representation of what the bridge will look like and how it will slot in amidst Lowestoft's existing infrastructure.

It is hoped that the crossing point, which would see a new link between the north and south sides of the town, would significantly ease traffic congestion at the A47 Bascule Bridge and the Mutford Lock bridge in Oulton Broad - the two current crossing points.

Eastern Daily Press: Suffolk County Council's leader Colin Noble (letf) and assistant director for infrastructure and waste Bryn Griffiths (right) discuss the plans with project manager John Barnard. Picture: Thomas ChapmanSuffolk County Council's leader Colin Noble (letf) and assistant director for infrastructure and waste Bryn Griffiths (right) discuss the plans with project manager John Barnard. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

The local councils are also optimistic that the new development would provide a focal point for the town and potentially help to regenerate the area.

On Monday (September 4) Suffolk County Council leader Colin Noble officially launched the start of the public consultation period, which will allow the community to express concerns and give feedback on the plans.

Eastern Daily Press: The third crossing will see a new link between the north and south sides of Lowestoft. Picture: Thomas ChapmanThe third crossing will see a new link between the north and south sides of Lowestoft. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

'It's an opportunity over the next six weeks for people to view the plans and give their opinions,' said Mr Noble.

'There's no doubt that there is going to be a traffic impact at the two existing roundabouts at either end of the crossing, and we want residents from all the local roads to have an input on that, as well as the design of the bridge.'

Eastern Daily Press: It is hoped that the new development would provide a focal point for the town and potentially help to regenerate the area. Picture: Thomas ChapmanIt is hoped that the new development would provide a focal point for the town and potentially help to regenerate the area. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

Anyone looking to give feedback on the proposals can fill out a survey online or attend one of the consultation meetings.

For more information on the third crossing, as well as the dates and times of the consultation events, click here.

Eastern Daily Press: The two existing crossing points at the A47 Bascule Bridge and the Mutford Lock bridge in Oulton Broad are plagued by traffic problems. Picture: Thomas ChapmanThe two existing crossing points at the A47 Bascule Bridge and the Mutford Lock bridge in Oulton Broad are plagued by traffic problems. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)