MAINTENANCE work to replace bearings on the Orwell Bridge was due to begin today .Some of the bearings that allow the bridge to expand or contract in response to high or low temperatures need to be changed.

MAINTENANCE work to replace bearings on the Orwell Bridge was due to begin today .

Some of the bearings that allow the bridge to expand or contract in response to high or low temperatures need to be changed.

The work will affect the A14 westbound carriageway only, although the workforce will be working underneath the bridge and may not be visible from the carriageway.

There will be overnight lane closures and a 50mph restriction in place 24 hours a day, the Highways Agency said.

Work is due to be completed by the end of November, with traffic management due to be removed by September.

Roger Chenery, project manager for the Highways Agency, said: “We are planning to keep as many lanes as possible open during peak periods.

“The bridge remains safe for use but we need to close lanes at times during the work to provide a safe working area and, for the safety of road users.

“Drivers are asked to leave extra time for their journeys and drive carefully through the works for their own safety and that of the workforce.”

From today until Wednesday July 4 there will be overnight lane closures in preparation for works under the bridge.

From July 4 for 12 weeks there will be no lane closures but narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction will be in place 24 hours a day, enforced by average speed safety cameras.

On six occasions between July and September, the A14 westbound will be completely closed from junction 58 (A12 Seven Hill Interchange) to junction 56 (A371 Wherstead) between 8pm and 6am and a diversion will be in place.

The expected dates of the closures are July 6 and 23, August 8 and 24, and September 10 and 26. The westbound footway of the bridge will be closed for the duration of the work and pedestrians will be diverted.

For further information visit: www.highways.gov.uk