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It is set to be "a huge day" for a coastal town as a multi-million-pound bridge - decades in the making - is given the royal seal of approval. Weeks after the historic opening of the £145m Gull Wing bridge heralded a new era in Lowestoft, Princess Anne will officially open the third crossing next week. Princess Anne pictured in Edinburgh last month.
Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) After opening to the public on September 7, the formal civic opening and naming ceremony will see The Princess Royal officially unveil the town's new Gull Wing bridge next Tuesday, November 19. The opening of the new 345-metre bridge - which was built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction - has been a congestion-busting success. Hundreds of people rushed to be among the first to cross Lowestoft's Gull Wing bridge.
Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) And ahead of another historic occasion next week, a county council spokesman said: "This is a huge day for Lowestoft as we thank all those who have been involved in bringing the Gull Wing to life and celebrate the huge benefits the bridge is already giving to the town." The Princess Royal will arrive on the bridge and meet local county councillors, community groups and see the bridge lift before meeting the young people who named the bridge and then unveil a plaque. A vintage bus was among the first vehicles to cross the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft.
Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) "It really is a unique day for Lowestoft," the spokesman added. And here is how you can catch a glimpse of Princess Anne next week - with the Gull Wing bridge closing to traffic from 1pm next Tuesday ahead of the Royal arrival. Locals are advised to arrive at the bridge from the southern side - via Waveney Drive - from 1.
30pm onwards and head towards the Control Tower. For security, public access will be restricted to the right-hand side of the bridge, leaving the left-hand side of the bridge free for the Royal Party. Stewards will be on both sides of the bridge to help show you where to go.
As the bridge will lift during the visit, people will be prevented from standing on the bascule section itself. Stewards will help direct you where you can stand. The bridge will reopen to traffic promptly once the event has concluded.
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