'Complex operation' under way to fix bridge

Inspections of the Orwell Bridge are being carried out "as part of our usual six-year maintenance procedures" National Highways said

A "complex operation" is due to start to repair the "potentially unsafe condition" of a joint on a river bridge.

Jack Abbott, the Labour MP for Ipswich, said he had been informed by National Highways that work to fix the Orwell Bridge should begin on Friday.

The westbound carriageway of the A14 Orwell Bridge, near Ipswich, was reduced to one lane on 6 September, after a routine inspection discovered the issue.

Full overnight closures will start between 21:00 and 05:00 BST on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the road set to fully reopen at 05:00 on 19 September, he added.

Abbott said he was told about the closures "following my request for clarity".

National Highways said: "During a routine inspection on 6 September, we identified that one of the bridge joints is in a potentially unsafe condition."

The closure would remain "until a temporary joint cover plate can be installed".

"The safety of those who work and travel on our road network is our top priority", it added.

"This is a complex operation; planning is already under way and preparatory works are programmed to commence this week.

"This is a specialist procedure involving numerous factors, but we hope that this will be resolved within the next couple of weeks."

It thanked drivers for their patience.

The Orwell Bridge provides a major link between the Port of Felixstowe and other parts of the UK.

It is often closed during high winds, which causes long tailbacks across Ipswich as drivers find alternative routes.

The bridge is 42 years old and is 1km (0.6 miles) in length.

In 2022, about 60,000 vehicles crossed the bridge each day.

National Highways said that during 2023 and 2024 it would carry out "bridge inspections as part of our usual six-year maintenance procedures".