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Orwell Bridge repairs to be accelerated but no talk of long-term solution

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Repair works on two joints of the Orwell Bridge near Ipswich will start earlier than planned, the Department for Transport has announced. The acceleration comes after emergency repairs closed the bridge for nearly two weeks in September.

The big picture: The Orwell Bridge is a crucial link to the Port of Felixstowe, with about 60,000 vehicles crossing it daily. Accelerating these repairs aims to prevent further disruptions to this key transport route.

Why it matters: The bridge impacts thousands of commuters and businesses relying on the A14 for daily travel and freight movement, and is absolutely vital to our region's economy.

Key details:

  • The bridge was partially closed in September after a joint was deemed "potentially unsafe" during a routine inspection

  • Works to replace two westbound joints will now begin "within the current financial year", earlier than the previously planned 2027 start date

  • Plans to replace eastbound carriageway joints are also due to take place

The Orwell Bridge in Ipswich
The Orwell BridgeRob AthertonGetty Images

What they're saying: Lilian Greenwood, junior Labour minister in the Department for Transport, confirmed the accelerated timeline in response to an inquiry from James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for Suffolk South.

It follows a Suffolk Chamber of Commerce meeting with local business leaders and MPs last week.

Following that meeting, Stephen Britt, chair of the Suffolk Chamber's Transport & Infrastructure Group, said: "What became readily apparent was that the different agencies tasked with addressing solutions to dealing with closures over both the short and middle terms aren't really taking the wider view – to the detriment of businesses and residents caught up in the never-ending series of issues on this vital strategic road network."

The Chamber called for:

  • MPs to challenge why National Highways doesn't deploy Traffic Officers during major A14 incidents.

  • Better information exchange between agencies regarding bridge maintenance.

  • Investigations into using a 'suicide net' along the bridge.

  • Relaunching the Ipswich Transport Taskforce with a focus on the wider road system.

Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber's head of public affairs, stated: "We believe that the current policy vacuum in terms of long-term solutions is so damaging that every viable solution should be actively considered as part of a coherent A14/Orwell Bridge strategy."

The bottom line: The acceleration of repairs suggests officials are starting to recognise the bridge's critical importance to the region's infrastructure and economy but for many, these repairs are sticking plasters on a gaping wound, that if left untreated, will cause our economy to continue to bleeding.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Ipswich stone firm fined £6,500 after workers injured by falling slabs

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Bespoke Stone in Ipswich has been ordered to pay more than £11,000 in fines and costs after two workers were struck by falling quartz slabs, leaving one with life-changing injuries.

Why it matters: The Health and Safety Executive prosecution highlights serious safety failings at the Dales Road workshop, leading to one employee being hospitalised for 12 weeks.

Bespoke Stone in Ipswich
Bespoke Stone in Ipswich has been ordered to pay more than £11,000 in fines and costs after two workers were struck by falling quartz slabsOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: On 17 June 2022, Steven Constable and Struan Dunsmore were preparing to lift a slab onto a saw bed when three quartz stone slabs fell from a stillage onto them.

Mr Constable, 54, sustained multiple fractures to his:

  • Right femur

  • Hip

  • Left tibia

  • Foot

The injuries have left him unable to work for over two years and required multiple operations during his 12-week hospital stay.

His colleague, Mr Dunsmore, 31, sustained bruising and required time off work following the incident.

What went wrong: The HSE investigation found:

  • The handling and storage of slabs was unsafe

  • The material was not properly secured

  • The restraint system was inadequate for larger materials

  • The company failed to accurately report the injuries under RIDDOR regulations

The outcome: Bespoke Stone pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. At Peterborough Magistrates' Court on 17 January 2025, the company was:

  • Fined £6,500

  • Ordered to pay £4,875.40 in costs

What they're saying: HSE inspector Jessica Flint said: "Bespoke Stone Ltd failed to grasp the importance of safe handling and storage of stone materials in stone masonry, with employees regularly working within the hazard zone of slabs during operations within its workshop.

"The CCTV footage makes clear how serious this incident was, with one of the employees sustaining a number of horrific injuries which have affected his ability to return to work. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards."

The bottom line: HSE guidance states slabs should always remain restrained during loading/unloading operations to prevent incidents like this from occurring. This case demonstrates the severe consequences of failing to follow these safety requirements.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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