Orwell Bridge fully reopened following closure due to high winds

The Orwell Bridge is closed this morning. Picture: Getty Images/IStockphoto (Image: PaulFleet)

Highways England closed the Orwell crossing on the A14 at 9am as expected.

The bridge was closed in both directions between J56 and J57.

Just after 2.30pm, Highways England said: "The westbound carriageway is now open, including the entry slip.

"Thank you for your patience, we are in the process of removing the closure eastbound."

At 2.50pm, Highways England said: "The Orwell Bridge is now fully re-opened in both directions, including all the entry slips."

Experts are looking into measures to prevent the bridge from closing in high winds, but hopes of an update on the research were this week delayed.

A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of the East of England with strong winds expected to batter Suffolk for most of the day.

However, the weathermen were not expecting the winds to be as strong as first thought - though gusts of over 45mph are still anticipated.

The Met Office said the wind is expected to strengthen significantly in the morning, with gusts of 40mph-plus likely into the early afternoon and some heavy rain. It should brighten up by around 3pm and the wind speeds then fall to around 25mph to 28mph.