The Gullwing Bridge Project, Lowestoft – Integrated IT & Security Infrastructure
The Gullwing Bridge in Lowestoft is one of Suffolk County Council’s most significant infrastructure projects to date. Built to ease congestion, improve regional connectivity and support economic growth, the scheme required more than civil engineering expertise. It needed the latest in security technology and network connectivity to keep traffic moving, protect infrastructure and ensure public safety for decades to come.
ClearView was brought in to deliver an integrated IT and communications infrastructure for the Gullwing Bridge. This solution had to provide resilient connectivity, extensive surveillance and advanced access management, supporting the bridge’s long-term operational strategy from its opening on the 7th September 2024.
Requirements:
The site needed a high-speed, redundant IT network to keep systems connected and operational once open to traffic. With such a large and high-traffic area, real-time communication between control facilities, traffic management systems and local authorities was essential for safety and efficiency.
Security was also a fundamental requirement. A comprehensive
CCTV system capable of producing clear, high-definition footage to help monitor traffic, protect infrastructure and respond quickly to incidents. This included coverage in all weather conditions and intelligent features to detect and respond to potential risks such as thermal imaging technology.
Restricted areas required
access control, whereby secure, auditable entry management was put in place to prevent unauthorised access. In addition, a dependable intercom system was vital to support routine communication, while a public address system would enable safety announcements and incident alerts to be broadcast across the bridge.
ClearView Solution:
To meet the complex requirements of the Gullwing Bridge, ClearView delivered a fully integrated, resilient IT and security infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations and uncompromised safety from day one. This comprehensive solution combines advanced surveillance, access control, communications, and a future-ready network architecture, tailored to support long-term operational efficiency.
Intelligent Video Surveillance System (VSS)
ClearView deployed a high-performance, IP-based Video Surveillance System (VSS) that delivers full situational awareness across the bridge. The system includes a blend of HD dome and bullet cameras, thermal imaging cameras, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. These cameras are housed in robust, weatherproof, and vandal-resistant enclosures and powered via PoE/PoE+ to simplify infrastructure and reduce installation overhead.
Advanced video analytics enhance proactive monitoring with features such as virtual tripwires, motion detection, object tracking, and real-time alerting. The inclusion of thermal imaging ensures continuous performance in low-visibility conditions, such as fog, darkness, or adverse weather, enabling rapid incident detection and response 24/7.
Secure Access Control & Intercom System
To protect restricted zones on the control tower, ClearView implemented comprehensive Gallagher access control solution. This includes smart card readers, secure door controllers, and integrated lift management systems, providing tiered access based on role and location. All events are securely logged to enable full audit trails, supporting regulatory compliance and operational accountability.
Capacity for future expansion has been built in, with a 25% overhead factored into the system design. A Commend IP-based intercom system was installed at key access points, enabling clear and reliable communication for both scheduled and emergency scenarios. The system supports continuous integration with access control and surveillance, ensuring complete situational awareness at all times.
Public Address System
A centrally managed Commend public address system was deployed to broadcast real-time safety announcements and emergency alerts. Strategically positioned speakers across the bridge deliver consistent and intelligible audio, enhancing communication with staff and the public during both routine operations and incident response.
High-Availability IT & Network Infrastructure
At the core of the infrastructure lies a strong, enterprise-grade communications network designed to eliminate single points of failure. ClearView deployed a fully redundant architecture featuring:
-Dual-redundant enterprise firewalls for secure network defence
-Redundant core switches, server switches and access switches to ensure uninterrupted connectivity
-Stacked core configurations with diverse uplinks for enhanced throughput and resilience
-An extensive fibre optic backbone enabling high-speed, low-latency communications between across the network.
-UPS-backed critical components to maintain uptime during power fluctuations
This network underpins every aspect of the bridge’s operational technology—from traffic management systems to surveillance and communication—ensuring consistent, real-time data flow and uninterrupted control across all subsystems.
ClearView worked closely with the project team to deliver a fully integrated IT and security system for the Gullwing Bridge. The infrastructure supports day-to-day operations from the outset and is designed with built-in flexibility to accommodate future needs, securing the bridge as a vital transport link for decades to come.
We continue to support similar large-scale projects across the UK, including recent deployments at high-profile developments such as the King’s Road, Chelsea. Explore the full case study here.
