The bridge became stuck during a routine lift, as it remained in the raised upright position for more than seven hours on Saturday, June 14.

Initially vehicles were forced to u-turn and leave the bridge after realising they could not cross the town's third crossing, before police were called.

Officers and police patrol cars had soon blocked off the approaches to the bridge as afternoon rush hour traffic was affected.

As part of the investigation, Suffolk County Council says it was not caused by the stormy and hot weather conditions.

An aerial image of the Gull Wing bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council)

The bridge experienced an issue during the lift, according to Suffolk County Council. 

The county council said the issue was identified and investigations continue.

With reports of "severe traffic delays" across Lowestoft and Oulton Broad on Saturday, a Suffolk County Council spokesman said: "We were notified by our bridge operator at 12.43pm on Saturday afternoon that the bridge was stuck in the upright position."

With a passing member of the public informing police of the malfunction, the county council spokesman said: "The police then proceeded to put up signs and manage a temporary closure until Suffolk Highways installed a formal traffic management under our emergency response process.

"The issue on the bridge was investigated and identified."

The bridge was lowered and after a series of test lifts it was reopened to traffic at 8.05pm.

The spokesman added: "The issue with the bridge is under investigation but it was not a result of the thunderstorms or the heat over the weekend."

Drivers experienced minor disruption on September 11 last year after the bridge malfunctioned.

The bridge was given a Royal seal of approval as Princess Anne officially opened the landmark during a special ceremony on November 19.