Up to three months of ground investigations work is now under way in Lowestoft as part of the process to build the £90million-plus bridge for a Lake Lothing Third Crossing.

The works, costing £600,000, are being undertaken by contractors Geosphere Environmental Ltd, who are digging trial holes and deep boreholes both on land and in the water as part of structural and environmental tests.

The findings of the investigations will help finalise the detailed design for the new bridge piers and foundations.

Land-based work will be taking place between 8am and 6pm, while the work carried out in the water will continue through the night.

Council officials say there may also be a period where samples are required on pavements and roads – however this work will be undertaken during off-peak hours to minimise disruption to road users.

Colin Noble, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “The investigations are an important step forward for the project and show a real investment in the future of the Lake Lothing Third Crossing, which is progressing quickly and on track with the published timetable, as well as Lowestoft and the surrounding areas.

“This work will help shape the design of the crossing before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination next year.”

Waveney MP Peter Aldous is delighted the investigations work is now underway as it shows the bridge, scheduled to open in 2022 and needed to ease congestion in Lowestoft, is becoming a reality.

He said: “From these investigations we will be able to plan what the piers and foundations will be like and this will help finalise the designs for this exciting and vitally important project. I’m looking forward to when the new bridge pillars are constructed and working with the local community to ensure that the Third Crossing brings the maximum benefit to Lowestoft.”

Mark Bee, leader of Waveney District Council, said: “We are delighted that real progress is being made in the development of the new crossing for Lowestoft and this is another important step in the right direction.

“The new bridge will provide relief for traffic going through the town and a huge amount of effort is going in to ensuring that construction is able to take place on budget and on time.”