Project Description:

The centrepiece of the Gull Wing Bridge is a 38.5m span rolling bascule bridge, raised using hydraulic cylinders and the largest of its kind in the world. The opening mechanism was chosen to showcase the engineering design, for its intrinsic beauty and to act as a beacon for the town.

Judges Comments

This steel rolling bascule bridge forms the centerpiece of a 350m long road and pedestrian crossing. The 38.5m long rolling bascule span is the longest of its kind in the world and presented significant challenges to the design and construction teams. The opening mechanism rolls the span back onto the southern composite approach span, using hydraulic cylinders housed in one of the piers. Displacement control is critical in such structures, and the hydraulic fluid needed to be pumped from the control unit 80m away, adding significant complexity to the system.

Structural Designer

OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LTD

Location

Lowestoft, Co. Suffolk, United Kingdom