Severe delays reported near A14 bridge repairs

Traffic is moving very slowly on the western approach to the bridge

Motorists using the Orwell Bridge are suffering severe delays following the start of major roadworks.

A lane has been closed on the bridge which carries the A14 over the river at Ipswich, while joints are replaced.

National Highways said delays of up to 52 minutes were occurring between junctions 51 (A140/Needham Market) and 57 (Nacton/east Ipswich).

The agency added that the average speed of traffic since 05:31 BST was 10mph (16km/h).

A routine inspection in 2024 discovered a "potentially unsafe" joint in the structure.

Repair works, which had been scheduled for 2027, were brought forward.

Joints on the westbound carriageway are being replaced this year, and similar work will have to take place on the eastbound side within the next five years, according to National Highways.

Overnight lane closures were implemented on both carriageways from16 June.

A reduced speed limit was introduced on both sides of the bridge on Saturday, and a lane closure during the daytime was brought in on the eastbound carriageway on Monday.

Simon Amor, head of scheme delivery for National Highways in the East, said the work was "very complicated", but he was confident it would be finished in August.

Traffic has been flowing on the bridge itself

The AA has been reporting delays of 52 minutes since 05:30 on Monday and the motoring organisation believed the delays would increase.

The disruption is likely to get worse from Wednesday evening with the westbound carriageway being closed from 20:00 and a contraflow will be in operation 24 hours a day.

The westbound entry slip road at junction 57 will be closed from Thursday for the duration of the work, with traffic following a diversion to junction 58 (A12/Martlesham).

National Highways has been contacted for further response by the BBC.