Works on Gull Wing in April 2021
Welcome to the Gull Wing update, this is an exciting time for Lowestoft and Suffolk, with the much-anticipated construction of the new Gull Wing bridge over Lake Lothing.
“The construction of the Gull Wing will bring huge benefits to the local area by creating local jobs and employment, improving skills and opportunities for local communities to become involved in this nationally significant project and providing opportunities for investment in the local economy which will leave a lasting positive legacy beyond the construction itself.”
Simon Bretherton, Project Director at Suffolk County Council
“We are pleased to be on the ground and beginning construction on this iconic structure following many months of hard work behind the scenes. In the last few weeks, we have held a Meet the Buyer event and have recruited many of our team from the local area, ensuring this project is embedded in the community.”
Neil Rogers, Project Director at Farrans
First Works
In April 2021 we will begin to establish our site boundary and site set-up, including;
• taking possession of land within the site
• clearance of debris
• preparation of our site compounds
Prior to starting the project’s demolition works and work to divert existing underground utilities including gas, telephone.
Demolition works are due to take place in May 2021. A number of buildings require demolition including some large asbestos roofed storage sheds. We have conducted a number of asbestos surveys and have enlisted specialist contractors for their removal and disposal. We have also ensured all utilities are disconnected in advance of works.
Once on site in April Farrans will begin Traffic Management to facilitate the utility diversions.
Inevitably, constructing a major infrastructure project of this scale in the middle of the town will cause some traffic disruption, but Farrans Traffic Management Plan will aim to keep road and lane closures to a minimum as far as practically possible, to keep disruption to a minimum.
Farrans Project Director, Neil Rogers, said:
“We have carefully planned our works to minimise disturbance. Please be assured we are focused on keeping disruption and inconvenience to a minimum and further communication will follow as the project progresses.”
As we approach the summer months Piling and Marine works will begin in Lake Lothing, we will keep you updated as works progress through monthly email newsletters, local letter drops and quarterly newsletters . You can also find up-to-date information on our website and social media on Facebook and Twitter.
Meet The Team
Rosie Parr
Hi, I’m Rosie and I am the Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator for Farrans working on the Gull Wing.
I live locally to the area and am looking forward to being involved with this exciting project, as I know it will bring so many benefits, not just for residents and the traffic in Lowestoft, but for businesses too!
As the Stakeholder Coordinator, my role is to liaise with anyone (Businesses, residents etc) who may be affected by the works whilst the new bridge is being constructed, making sure everyone is kept informed and are up to date with vital information. I will also be working with local schools (Primary, Secondary and Colleges) to offer workshops, work experience and site visits.
I will be central to the delivery of social value on the project, assisting with events to help the local economy, local recruitment and upskilling for job seekers and those who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health & Safety
Keeping everyone safe during the pandemic:
Farrans have well-established processes and procedures in place to ensure our sites adhere to Covid-19 restrictions, with one-way walking routes, additional welfare and sanitation facilities, the minimisations of site visitors, use of digital construction platforms, regular lateral flow testing of all staff, 3D modelling and virtual meetings. We will continue to monitor the very latest Government advice and will review our works and working conditions to ensure social distancing, PPE and sanitisation is maintained to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Making the Gull Wing safe for everyone:
We are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety.
Construction work activities can present hazards to everyone. That is why they are planned with controls in place for the protection of others.
We treat safety with the highest priority, constantly striving to eliminate the causes of incidents. We will be working with local schools to ensue children are aware of the hazards presented by construction sites and we educate them to stay safe.
There will be clear signage on site surrounds explaining safety considerations and with contact details, Tel: 01502 512779, for people to report any potential safety issues.
Be part of it …through our Apprenticeship Programme
We were delighted to be part of the East Coast College’s National Apprenticeship Week in February 2021, in series of webinars to give an insight into our industry, our apprenticeship programme and the amazing opportunities this nationally significant infrastructure project will bring to the local area.
We are currently seeking Level 5 (Foundation / degree level) Apprentices in Business Administration, Engineering and Quantity Surveying.
If you would like to watch the webinar please click the link below and if you’re interested in learning more about our apprenticeship opportunities and any other employment opportunities? please email [email protected]. or visit
https://www.eastcoast.ac.uk/become-an-apprentice/national-apprenticeship-week-2021/
Meet Isabelle
Q. Who am I? / What is my position?
My name is Isabelle, I am working as a Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor for Sharp Contract and Surveying on the Gull Wing project, alongside studying to become a Quantity Surveyor at Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford.
Q. What experience do I have?
After completing my A-levels I knew I wanted to have a career within construction. I grew up around construction due to my Dad running his own carpentry business, but knew that carpentry wasn’t the route I wanted to go down. So I applied to become an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor with Sharp contract and surveying on the Gull Wing bridge. I have no background experience in a project like the Gull Wing however this allows me to develop my knowledge and skill set throughout the project.
Q. What excites me about the Gull Wing project?
As a resident in the local area I am aware of how influential this project is on the local community and businesses. I am excited to be part of such a prestigious project that has been long awaited.
Supporting the Local Community
Nearly 300 businesses attended a webinar in March to better understand the local commercial opportunities on offer from the Gull Wing project in Lowestoft.
Organised by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Suffolk County Council and Farrans Construction, the virtual event resulted in a strong turnout from both local and regional firms interested in finding out more about the bridge, which is due to open in 2023.
Farrans has committed to, wherever possible, using firms with the necessary expertise within a 70-mile radius of the site.
Local companies can express their interest in becoming a supplier and bid to be part of the project supply chain via the Farrans website www.farrans.com/suppliers
About the Project
The Gull Wing is an important bridge for Lowestoft, being delivered by Suffolk County Council and built by one of the UK’s leading Civil and Building Engineering companies Farrans Construction.
Working on behalf of Suffolk County Council, Farrans Construction is due to begin works on the new Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft in April 2021.
Gull Wing will link Tom Crisp Way on the south side of Lake Lothing, to Denmark Road and Peto Way on the north side, bringing tremendous benefit to Lowestoft and surrounding areas.
Construction works on the Gull Wing include the installation of:
• Two new roundabouts and road improvement works
• Ground improvements – with significant piling works
• Eight bridge spans, with three over Lake Lothing and one over the East Suffolk Railway line
• The construction and fit-out of a control tower
• Marine Works – with the construction of the project’s cofferdams (a cofferdam is used to temporarily exclude water from an area required for construction work)
• Bascule opening section installation and commissioning
Opening in 2023, the bridge will be a much-needed third crossing over the town’s Lake Lothing.
We’re here for you throughout the construction and you can contact us:
By email to the project team at [email protected] or telephone 01502 512779
We will provide up-to-date information regarding upcoming construction works and roadworks associated with the project by advance notifications, newsletters, social media and the Gull Wing website www.gullwingbridge.co.uk.
You can also find up-to-date information regarding roadworks in Lowestoft on website one.network
Outline Project Programme
April 2021 Construction works begin
Late Spring 2021- First permanent works land piling
Early Summer 2021 – Start of marine works
Summer 2021- Start of marine piling works
Early – Mid 2022 – Works begin over the railway
Mid 2022 – Works begin on the south approach
Early – Mid 2023 – Installation of bascule
Mid – Late 2023 – Construction works complete
Further Information
For more information on Gull Wing, visit www.gullwingbridge.co.uk
You can email the project team at [email protected] or telephone 01502 512779
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