MOTORISTS suffered delays at the weekend as a 260-tonne crane lifted a new footbridge into place over the Port of Felixstowe.Drivers, especially hauliers travelling to and from the port, were advised to allow extra time for their journeys yesterday and on the previous Sunday while the new footbridge over the Port of Felixstowe Road was delivered, constructed and then installed.

MOTORISTS suffered delays at the weekend as a 260-tonne crane lifted a new footbridge into place over the Port of Felixstowe.

Drivers, especially hauliers travelling to and from the port, were advised to allow extra time for their journeys yesterday and on the previous Sunday while the new footbridge over the Port of Felixstowe Road was delivered, constructed and then installed.

Clearly signed diversion routes were in place and yesterday the A14 was closed in both directions between junction 61 and Junction 60, while the 260-tonne crane lifted the new footbridge into place.

Roger Chenery, Highways Agency project manager, said: “The new bridge will provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.

“It will also provide an important link between the residential areas of Felixstowe and the commercial and leisure facilities to the west, as well as being part of a future cycle route.”

Once the bridge is installed the area around the footbridge will be landscaped and unobtrusive lighting will be installed and the narrow lanes and a temporary 40mph speed limit on the A14 from J60 to J61 will remain in place until the work is completed.

The footbridge is due to be opened to the public at the end of the month.