Ipswich's Orwell Bridge to close due to high winds forecast

National Highways said the Orwell Bridge may close at midnight, due to the forecast for high winds

A closure of the A14 Orwell Bridge is planned for this evening due to the forecast for high winds brought by Storm Ciarán.

The bridge, which carries the dual carriageway over the river at Ipswich, could be closed at midnight to allow "safety preparations" to take place.

National Highways said the plan was to close it for 24 hours.

However, it would "constantly monitor wind speeds" and may reopen the bridge sooner "if it is safe to do so".

A post from National Highways: East on X said "we may be closing the A14 Orwell Bridge... wind speeds are being monitored and we'll update this feed if the bridge is closed".

During any closure, the A14 would be closed between junction 55 at Copdock and junction 58 at Seven Hills, with diversions taking motorists along the A1214, A1189 and A1156 through Ipswich town centre.

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The bridge is closed when wind speeds are likely to exceed the threshold of 60mph (100km/h), which affects lorry traffic heading to and from the Port of Felixstowe and usually bring main roads in Ipswich to a standstill.

Roads in Ipswich are usually clogged up as traffic, including lorries, are diverted through the town centre, as pictured here in 2019

Craig Sowden, National Highways operations manager for the region, explained the full closure of Orwell Bridge was only put in place when absolutely necessary.

"We understand the inconvenience the closure of Orwell Bridge causes across the region, but our priority will always be public safety," said Mr Sowden.

"If you're unable to delay your journey until the worst of the weather has passed, please plan your route and allow extra time to reach your destination."