THE Bascule Bridge in Lowestoft has finally re-opened after it got stuck in the upright position this morning.

THE Bascule Bridge in Lowestoft has finally re-opened after it got stuck in the upright position this morning.

The incident, which caused traffic chaos, comes just days after work on the crossing went over schedule and failed to open on time.

Drivers were left frustrated and angry as they had to endure more traffic congestion and hold ups as vehicles diverted through Oulton Broad.

It is understood the bridge was opened to let a ship through earlier this morning at about 5am and a mechanical failure prevented it closing properly. Engineers were called to the site to carry out work to rectify the problem.

However, the temporary footbridge was operating and many were using it to get in and out of the town centre.

Last week it was revealed that the contractors behind work on the bridge could be hit with fines totalling more than £10,000 after causing traffic chaos when they failed to open the crossing on time on Wednesday and Thursday.

And Waveney MP Bob Blizzard has urged people to seek legal advice about the prospects of claiming personal damages.

There are two more scheduled closures of the bridge on Wednesday and Thursday this week between 8pm and 6am, with no more planned until the end of September.