Orwell Bridge in Ipswich closed overnight to remove joints

Orwell Bridge to be closed in both directions while crane removes joints <i>(Image: Lucy Taylor)</i>
Orwell Bridge to be closed in both directions while crane removes joints (Image: Lucy Taylor)
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The A14 at the Orwell Bridge will be closed in both directions for two nights whilst a crane removes the existing joints. 

Over the weekend, work to replace the bridge joints on the A14 at the Orwell Bridge started. 

On early Saturday morning, contraflow was in place in both directions, allowing one lane of traffic to run in each direction on the eastbound carriageway, while the bridge joints are being replaced on the westbound side. 

The existing joints will be removed by using high-pressure water jets in the next few days. 

During this, the working area will be screened to prevent the risk of any materials coming into contact with nearby traffic. 

Traffic on the Orwell Bridge  (Image: Lucy Taylor) As the joints weigh several tonnes, a crane will be used to remove them from the carriageway. 

It will be done overnight on Monday, June 30, Tuesday, July 1, Saturday, July 5, Sunday, July 6, Monday, July 7, and Tuesday, July 8 from 8pm to 6am under a full closure of the road. 

Martin Fellows, National Highways’ regional director, said: “I want to again thank our customers and local residents for their patience while we carry out this essential work on Orwell Bridge. We remain on track to complete the work in August.

“We do recognise the significant effect work on the bridge has on road users, businesses and local communities. However, remaining on the A14 remains your best route while the work is ongoing, but please continue to allow extra time for your journey”.

(Image: Lucy Taylor) The lane closures on the bridge are expected to be in place until the work is completed in August. 

As a result of the closures, traffic sensors are showing delays of around 35 minutes, and many other major routes are also heavily congested. 

Businesses in the town have voiced their anger over the roadworks, with one gym owner saying he has seen 30% fewer customers come in as a direct result of the lane closure on the A14 bridge and the traffic that has resulted.

Also, businesses in Felixstowe have reported a decline in footfall since the Orwell Bridge works began. 

Community leaders and residents have also expressed their concerns over the seven-week-long project. 

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