LKAB Minerals plays crucial role in award-winning Gull Wing Bridge design and construction
MagnaDense enables innovative design and construction of the world’s largest rolling bascule bridge operated by hydraulic cylinders
We’re proud to announce a win in the Road Bridge Project of the Year Award at the NCE Bridges Awards. Held at the Hilton Bankside, London on 17 July 2025, the NCE Bridges Awards honour the extraordinary projects and visionary professionals who are reshaping bridge engineering through outstanding design and construction.
The Gull Wing Bridge, which won the award, is a ground breaking structure that represents the future of bridge engineering, and LKAB Minerals played a pivotal role in making the iconic design and construction a reality.
As the NCE Bridges Awards committee stated: “The Gull Wing Bridge exemplifies exceptional design and construction quality, adhering to the highest standards for this unique infrastructure project. Successful cooperation between all parties involved amidst the challenging construction context was a cornerstone of this project. The bridge has been warmly embraced by locals, transforming their journeys, alleviating traffic congestion and affording an opportunity to re-imagine the town of Lowestoft. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through meticulous planning, dedicated teamwork, and a commitment to excellence from all parties: an iconic structure that harmonizes with and enhances the aesthetic and cultural environment of Lowestoft.”
The award was presented to Arup, the lead designer on the project, which was recognised for its exceptional design and construction of the world’s largest rolling bascule bridge lifted by hydraulic cylinders. While Arup received the award on behalf of the project, LKAB Minerals’ contribution was crucial in enabling the bridge’s unique design and functionality.
Officially opened on 19th November 2024 by HRH The Princess Royal, the Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft, features striking wing-shaped arms that provide the counterweight enabling the bridge to be quickly and efficiently lifted. These wings were made possible through the use of LKAB Minerals’ MagnaDense, a high-density iron ore aggregate that was vital in achieving the precise counterweight required for the bridge’s design. The density and functionality of MagnaDense was what ensured the counterweight was perfectly balanced, enabling the innovative bascule mechanism to operate smoothly.
Richard Hunt, Magnetite Sales Manager at LKAB Minerals, played a key role in supporting Arup throughout the project, working closely with them and other stakeholders including Suffolk Country County Council, Farrans Construction, Capital Concrete, and Camfaud Concrete Pumps.
Richard commented on the success of the project: “We are incredibly proud of our involvement in the Gull Wing Bridge project. While our material may not have been the most voluminous component, it was essential in enabling the design and functionality of the bridge. Our close partnerships helped ensure that the bridge would perform as required, making it a truly innovative structure that is well-deserving of this award.”
The Gull Wing Bridge serves as a prime example of how LKAB Minerals’ products and technical expertise can contribute to landmark design and construction projects. The award win is a testament to the strong relationships and dedication that LKAB Minerals maintains with its partners across the construction and engineering sectors. For details of the NCE Bridge Awards Road Bridge Project of the Year: NCE Bridges Conference & Awards 2025 – Road bridge project of the year 2025
