The 55m long North Approach Viaduct section arrived at the construction site on Lake Lothing yesterday following a 32-hour crossing from Ghent in Belgium where it was fabricated by Victor Buyck Steel Construction.

On delivery it weighed 380 tonnes and, when ready to move into its final position spanning the East Suffolk railway line, it will weigh 1,450 tonnes.

Farrans is constructing the bridge for Suffolk County Council

In the coming days it will be moved to a special platform where a concrete slab deck will be cast in situ before the entire span is moved and placed in its final position during a weekend long railway possession.

NAV 1’s arrival was dependent on weather conditions remaining favourable and it needed to arrive during a slack tide to travel into the inner harbour.

Neil Rogers, project director on Gull Wing bridge for Farrans, said: “Victor Buyck began manufacturing this structure back in July 2021 and we are pleased to now have this integral piece on site, following meticulous organisation in both Belgium and in Lowestoft.

“More large sections will be arriving during the coming months and the local community will be able to see the bridge coming together above the water line. Work has been progressing well and there have been significant changes to the landscape of the site throughout the last year.”