Bridge and Lock Information

Lowestoft Bascule Bridge

ABP Notice to Small Craft and Yachts

Port Safety and Environmental Notice to Masters

Current local date & time

Subject to prior notification of at least 30 minutes, small craft and yachts may be given a bridge opening at the times shown below.
Please note these times may differ +/- 15 minutes to accommodate vessels wishing to transit through both Bascule Bridge and Gull Wing Bridge.
Vessels should arrive in good time and seek advice from the Bridge Operator on the sequence of the lifts.

Height	7 feet / 2.16 metres
Operated by the	Lowestoft Harbour Master
Opening times that may be given to small craft
Book at least 30 minutes in advance	Monday to Friday
	03:00, 05:00, 07:00, 09:45, 11:15, 14:30, 16:00, – : – , 19:00, 21:00, 00:00
	Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays
	03:00, 05:00, 07:00, 09:45, 11:15, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00, 19:00, 21:00, 00:00
Contact	VHF: Channel 14
	Telephone: 01502 572286
	Email Lowestoft Harbour Control

There is a pontoon in the south east corner of the Trawl Dock (opposite the RN&SYC) for those inbound waiting for the bridge to open. Vessels in the Yacht Basin must contact the Port Control before departure.

Skippers should be aware that docking on the Lowestoft Trawl Dock waiting pontoon, after half tide falling, could lead to grounding at the eastern end.
The western end should not present a problem on the side away from the wall, at least up to half of the pontoon’s length.

The speed limit in the harbour is 4 knots. Please note ABP Lowestoft notice to mariners No.29 2020 – pdf; opens in a new page.

Navigation in the bridge channel is controlled by VHF (channel 14) advice with additional red and green traffic control signals.

Vessels must not proceed through the bridge until the leaves are fully raised AND the green traffic lights are exhibited on the North side of the Bridge Channel.

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Lowestoft Gull Wing Bridge

 

 
Subject to prior notification of at least 30 minutes, small craft and yachts may be given a bridge opening at the times shown below.
Please note these times may differ +/- 15 minutes to accommodate vessels wishing to transit through both Bascule Bridge and Gull Wing Bridge.
Vessels should arrive in good time and seek advice from the Bridge Operator on the sequence of the lifts.

Height	39 feet / 12 metres
Subject to an air draft safety clearance of	1 metre
Operated by the	Lowestoft Harbour Master
Opening times Book 30 minutes in advance
	Monday to Friday
	03:00, 05:00, 07:00, 09:45, 11:15, 14:30, 16:00, – : – 19:00, 21:00, 00:00
	Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays
	03:00, 05:00, 07:00, 09:45, 11:15, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00, 19:00, 21:00, 00:00
Contact	VHF: Channel 14
	Telephone: 01502 572286

As with the Bascule Bridge, small craft and yachts may use an opening for commercial shipping provided that prior arrangement has been made with Port Control, subject to the small vessels proceeding in the same direction as the commercial vessel.
Vessels wishing to pass through the LLTC from the opposite direction will have to wait for the next advertised small craft opening time, as shown for the Bascule Bridge, above.

There is a waiting pontoon to the East of the Gull Wing Bridge, should and vessel needing to use it prior to passing through the channel.

Navigation in the bridge channel is controlled by VHF (channel 14) advice with additional red and green traffic control signals.
Vessels must not proceed through the bridge until the leaves are fully raised AND the green traffic lights are exhibited on the North side of the Bridge Channel.

Mutford Lock, Mutford Road Bridge

Height:	7 feet 10 inches / 2.39 metres
Operated by the	Oulton Broad Harbour Master
Opening Times Book 24 hours in advance
	April to October
	08:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:00
	November to March;
	08:00 – 12:00 but not available on bank holidays
Contact	VHF: Channel 73
	or Telephone: Lock: 01502 531778, Yacht Station: 01502-574946
Cost	£17 per vessel per day.
This charge also covers visiting vessels for the use of Oulton Broad on the day of entry and up to midnight on the day following. For longer stays and/or to cruise further, a Short Visit Toll is payable.

Carlton Railway Bridge

Height:	15 feet / 4.57 metres

The Rail Bridge openings are arranged with the Oulton Broad Harbour Master when requesting passage through Mutford Lock.

Ensure you have booked at least 24 hours in advance with the Oulton Broad Harbour Master, if a rail bridge opening is required.

Network Rail plan to carry out major refurbishment work on the Swing Bridge.

The project is due to start on Monday 16^th February and be completed by Friday 6^th March.
The works will involve replacing the existing slew motor which opens and closes the bridge.
During this time, the bridge will not be able to open to allow taller craft to pass.

If you require further information please contact Network Rail directly.

The information provided by Lowestoft Cruising Club (‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’) on www.lowestoftcruisingclub.co.uk/ (the ‘Site’) is for general informational purposes only.
All information on the Site is provided in good faith. However we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the site. Your use of the site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk.

Important contacts for transits and moorings
Bridge and Lock Information
Mutford Lock (transit bookings): 01502 531778. Also reachable via VHF Channel 73 when coordinating with Oulton Broad Yacht Station.
Oulton Broad Yacht Station / Harbour Master: 01502 574946; VHF Channel 73. The Yacht Station handles bridge openings on Oulton Broad side and moorings; they can coordinate with Mutford Lock for passages.
For Lowestoft Harbour navigation and small craft guidance, refer to ABP’s small craft and yachts notice (includes procedures for bridge openings and lock transits).
Mutford Lock and opening bridges (overview and booking)
Bridge and Lock Information
All transits through Mutford Lock and the opening bridges must be booked. Book by phone with Mutford Lock on 01502 531778 or via Oulton Broad Yacht Station on 01502 574946 / VHF Ch. 73. This ensures staffing at the lock and synchronized openings of the bridges.
The ABP notice confirms these contact routes and outlines that small craft should plan around scheduled opening windows and tidal considerations when transiting between Lake Lothing and Oulton Broad via Mutford Lock.
Bridge and Lock Information
Typical opening times and scheduling

Bridge opening times for small craft are provided in local notices. The ABP small craft and yachts notice sets out that bridge openings occur at set times and must be arranged in advance; crews should be prepared for tidal/current conditions and any commercial traffic priorities in Lowestoft.
Local cruising information aggregators list current year bridge and lock info for Lowestoft, including practical timing notes and procedures to pass through Mutford Lock and the opening bridges. Check these before you travel to confirm daily schedules or special restrictions.
Bridge and Lock Information
Who to call for the Harbour Masters

Oulton Broad Harbour Master (via Yacht Station): 01502 574946; VHF Ch. 73. Use for moorings, bridge coordination on the Broad, and local guidance.
Mutford Lock (Lock Keeper): 01502 531778. Primary point for arranging lock transits and synchronized opening of the bridges.
For Lowestoft Harbour navigation, ABP Lowestoft issues the official small craft guidance and relevant notices (contact through ABP channels; use the ABP small craft notice for procedures and numbers above).
Practical tips
Bridge and Lock Information
Book your transit well in advance, especially during peak periods, and reconfirm on the day via phone or VHF.
Stand by on VHF Channel 73 when approaching Oulton Broad and Mutford Lock for live coordination with the Yacht Station/Lock.
Check the latest local notices for any temporary restrictions, maintenance, or altered opening times before departure
Here are the current opening times, booking procedures and key contacts you will need for transits through Mutford Lock and for arranging bridge openings at Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, together with the harbour master contact details and practical advice for small craft planning passages in this area.
Bridge and Lock Information
Important contacts for transits, moorings and coordination

– Mutford Lock (to book lock transits and arrange synchronized bridge openings): 01502 531778. The Lock Keeper is the primary contact for scheduling passages through the lock and coordinating staffing. When approaching, you can also call or monitor on VHF if required.
– Oulton Broad Yacht Station / Harbour Master: 01502 574946; VHF Channel 73. The Yacht Station manages moorings and bridge openings on the Oulton Broad side, provides local advice to visiting craft, and coordinates with Mutford Lock staff to ensure safe, timely transits between the Broad and Lake Lothing.
– For Lowestoft Harbour navigation matters and additional small-craft guidance, consult Associated British Ports (ABP) notices for small craft and yachts operating in Lowestoft; these notices contain procedural guidance, contact routes and safety information relevant to the harbour and adjacent waterways.
Bridge and Lock Information
Booking Mutford Lock and arranging bridge openings (overview)

– All transits through Mutford Lock and associated opening bridges must be booked in advance. This is to ensure the lock is staffed, that the lock and bridges are operated safely, and to allow coordination with any commercial traffic that may have priority.
– Bookings can be made by telephone to Mutford Lock on 01502 531778, or via Oulton Broad Yacht Station on 01502 574946. You should provide vessel details, intended time of transit, and any special requirements so that staff can make appropriate arrangements.
– When underway and approaching the area, monitor and use VHF Channel 73 to communicate with the Yacht Station and Lock for real-time coordination and any late changes.
Bridge and Lock Information
Typical opening times, scheduling and what to expect

– Bridge openings for small craft are provided at scheduled times and by arrangement; specific opening windows and times are published in local notices and ABP guidance. These scheduled openings help balance leisure craft needs with commercial navigation and tidal safety.
– Expect that openings may be constrained by tidal conditions, commercial traffic movements in and out of Lowestoft harbour, maintenance work or temporary restrictions. The published opening times are a guide, but confirmations should be sought on the day of transit.
– If you have a specific planned passage time, book early—particularly during busy summer months or local events—so staff can plan for staffing, lock operation and bridge lifts.
Bridge and Lock Information
Practical advice and recommended procedures

– Book well in advance and reconfirm on the day of transit by phone or on VHF. This reduces the risk of delays and ensures staff are prepared to operate the lock and bridges when you arrive.
– Stand by on VHF Channel 73 when approaching Oulton Broad, Mutford Lock and Lake Lothing for live coordination with the Yacht Station and Lock staff. Keep calls concise and have your vessel name, location and requested transit time ready.
– Allow additional time in your passage plan for waiting or for changes to the schedule due to commercial traffic priority, tidal constraints, or unforeseen maintenance. Have contingency plans for alternative berthing if required.
– Check the latest local notices and the ABP small craft guidance for any temporary restrictions, maintenance closures or altered opening times before you travel. Notices may be issued at short notice for safety or operational reasons.
– Carry essential paperwork and vessel details, and ensure your crew understand the expected procedures for lock transits and bridge openings to make the operation smooth and safe.

Who to call and when

– Oulton Broad Harbour Master / Yacht Station: 01502 574946; VHF Channel 73 — contact for moorings, bridge coordination on Oulton Broad and general local guidance.
– Mutford Lock (Lock Keeper): 01502 531778 — primary contact for arranging lock transits and synchronized bridge openings between the Broad and Lake Lothing.
– Associated British Ports (ABP) Lowestoft notices — consult for official small craft guidance, procedural notices and any additional contact information relevant to harbour operations.
Bridge and Lock Information

Sources and where to confirm latest information

– Lowestoft Cruising Club – bridge and lock information pages for up-to-date local guidance and practical notes.
– ABP – the small craft and yachts notice for Lowestoft, which sets out the formal procedures and contact routes for transits in the harbour and adjacent waterways.
– East Suffolk Council / Oulton Broad Yacht Station – practical contact details and local operating information for the Yacht Station and harbour services.
Bridge and Lock Information
Plan carefully, allow time for coordination, and keep regular VHF watch on Ch. 73 when approaching the Mutford Lock and Oulton Broad area to ensure a safe and efficient transit.
Bridge and Lock Information
Local pilotage and commercial traffic considerations

– Be aware that parts of the approach to Lowestoft and Lake Lothing are within areas of commercial traffic where pilotage and vessel movements are coordinated by ABP or the harbour authority. Commercial vessels generally have right of way and may restrict recreational movements during certain periods. Always give way and follow instructions from harbour control.
– Large vessels turning, berthing or manoeuvring in the approaches may create wash and turbulence; small craft should keep well clear and if necessary alter course to avoid close quarters with commercial traffic.
– If your passage will conflict with scheduled commercial movements (e.g. large arrivals or departures), the lock or bridges may be delayed to give priority to the commercial vessel. Staff will advise on alternatives or revised timing where possible.
Bridge and Lock Information
Safety checklist before attempting transit

– Check tide times and weather forecasts. Lake Lothing and the approaches can be affected by tidal stream and strong winds which may make lock approaches and bridge passages more difficult.
– Ensure mooring lines, fenders and warps are ready and crew are briefed on their roles. Lock transits typically require quick, coordinated line handling.
– Confirm your vessel’s air draft and beam against any published bridge or lock clearance limits. Inform the lock/bridge operator of exact dimensions when booking so they can confirm suitability.
– Test engines, steering and communications equipment before entering the approach. Keep a hand-bearing compass and charts to hand in case electronic aids fail.
– Carry appropriate lifejackets and ensure all aboard know where safety equipment and emergency procedures are located.

On-the-day procedures and etiquette

– Arrive in good time for your booked slot — not too early to congest the approach, and not late which may disrupt staffing plans or lead to cancellation of your slot.
– When calling on VHF, identify yourself clearly (vessel name and location), state your booking time and request confirmation. Listen for instructions and comply promptly.
– Follow the lock keeper’s or harbour staff’s instructions on line handling, fender placement and engine use. They have the local knowledge to minimize delays and keep everyone safe.
– Be courteous to other small craft awaiting transit. If requested to raft up or move to a holding position, comply to help the overall operation.
– If your plans change — for example, you need to cancel or significantly alter your transit time — inform the Lock Keeper or Yacht Station as soon as possible to free your slot for others.
Bridge and Lock Information
Alternatives and contingency moorings

– If you cannot make your booked slot, ask the Yacht Station or harbour authorities for advised holding locations or temporary moorings. They can often direct you to safe waiting berths on Oulton Broad or in Lowestoft Harbour.
– Local marinas, visitor pontoons and anchorages may provide short-term alternatives; some have restrictions or charges, so check availability ahead of time where possible.
– In adverse weather or if mechanical issues arise, request assistance early. The harbour authorities maintain local response plans and can coordinate support if needed.
Bridge and Lock Information
Further resources and useful links

– Associated British Ports (ABP) Lowestoft information pages and pilotage guidance — for official notices, pilotage requirements and commercial traffic schedules.
– Local sailing clubs and marinas — often have up-to-date practical tips, visitor information and contacts for transient berthing.
– Tide tables and weather services — consult reliable sources for forecasts and tidal predictions for the time of transit.
– Admiralty Charts and publications — ensure you have the correct charted information for clearances, depths, channels and aids to navigation for Lake Lothing, Oulton Broad and approaches.
Bridge and Lock Information
Final tips

– Good communication and early planning are the keys to a smooth transit through Mutford Lock and the Oulton Broad / Lowestoft area. Book early, reconfirm on the day, and maintain VHF watch on Channel 73 while approaching.
– Respect commercial traffic priorities and follow instructions from the Lock Keeper and Yacht Station staff.
– Keep safety at the forefront: brief your crew, secure your vessel, and be prepared to delay or divert if conditions or traffic require.
Bridge and Lock Information