Civil engineering contractor Farrans has celebrated the opening of two major bridge projects.

Lowestoft’s Gull Wing bridge and Glasgow’s Govan-Partick bridge have both opened in the last few days – and both were constructed by Farrans.

Thousands of Lowestoft residents made history on Saturday (September 7) as they as they walked, wheeled and drove for the first time across the town’s distinctive Gull Wing bridge.

The new multi-million pound bridge, built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by Farrans, is a significant step forward for Lowestoft and promises to bring both immediate and long-term benefits to the town, its businesses and residents.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The people of Lowestoft have waited decades for a third river crossing.

“Suffolk County Council promised to build it, and we have. I am delighted that we have delivered on that promise.

“The Gull Wing will not only serve as a vital transport link between north and south Lowestoft, but also stands as an iconic new landmark for the town.

“It represents a new era of development and prosperity for Lowestoft. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.”

The 345m-long Gull Wing is the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world lifted using hydraulic cylinders.

The main bascule span across the navigation channel leaves a clear gap of 32 metres for marine vessels

The formal civic opening and naming ceremony for the bridge is set to take place on November 19.

Tristram Browne, project manager at Farrans, said: “Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft.

“We have been able to leave a lasting legacy not only with the completion of the bridge but also through our programme of social value and stakeholder engagement.

“During the delivery of this project we have employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships, volunteered on local community projects and donated significant sums to local charities.

“We have brought the region on the journey of the bridge build with us, creating some memorable sights with the arrival of the bridge and bascule sections. It has been a pleasure to work on such a complex, technical project and we would like to thank the local community for their support."

Meanwhile the Govan-Partick Bridge, also built by Farrans, was formally opened on September 6 before opening to the public the following day.

The £29.5m Glasgow City Region City Deal project - funded by the Scottish and UK governments - re-establishes the historic connection between Govan and Partick, with the bridge crossing between Water Row on the south side and Pointhouse Quay on the north.

One of the longest opening pedestrian/cycle bridges in Europe, the Govan - Partick Bridge has a width of six metres and two spans.

The moving span, which weighs 650 tonnes, is 99 metres long and uses the South Pier (at Water Row) as its access; and the fixed span, which weighs 45 tonnes and is 15.7 metres long.