Following the 3-week closure of Lake Lothing in March 2024 for the installation of the final bascule span, activity has been focused on ensuring the bridge performs as designed and is safe and ready to open to the public.
Since then, testing and commissioning of the hydraulic, mechanical and power systems has been taking place and the bridge has been raised and lowered numerous times.
The commissioning process is thorough and systematic, involving the testing of every component under different conditions. This also involves gradually increasing the power of the bascule bridge until it reaches its full design opening and closing speeds.
Several associated safety systems are also being installed and tested, including the warning lights and barriers, the tail locks, aircraft and marine warning lights, various sensors, and the CCTV monitoring system.
Alongside all of this, the control room is being fitted out and the software control system tested and commissioned. The new bridge operators have also been recruited and are currently being trained.
The road and footway tarmac surfacing across the entire bridge and approaches has also been completed.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“It is exciting to see the bascule span in operation as the final commissioning progresses. It is essential that we take the time to make sure that all of the operating and safety systems are in place and rigorously tested before we open up to road vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Our contractor, Farrans, is working hard to complete the remaining commissioning and construction activities so that we can open the bridge to the public in the Summer.”
