Orwell Bridge to close overnight for urgent repairs

The big picture: The Orwell Bridge will undergo urgent repair work starting Tuesday evening. This follows a week-long single-lane closure after National Highways identified a potential issue.

Key details:

• Full westbound carriageway closure between 9pm and 5am on Tuesday and Wednesday

• The closure allows for the safe repair of the defect found during an inspection

• Road expected to fully reopen by 5am on Thursday

• A diversion route will be in place while the carriageway is closed

Why it matters: The overnight closures will impact late-night and early-morning travellers, potentially causing delays for commuters and freight traffic.

Don't forget: Drivers are also reminded of upcoming A14 closures:

• A stretch of the A14 will be closed over some nights from junction 52 near Claydon to junction 55 at the Copdock Interchange until approximately mid-November

• These closures will be in place between 8pm and 6am on weeknights

• The work allows for a new asphalt surface to be applied

• A 10-mile (16km) diversion route will be in place via the B1113, A1071, and A1214

What they're saying: Ipswich MP Jack Abbott had called on Suffolk County Council to abandon the roadworks during the repairs to the Orwell, but this looks to have fallen on deaf ears.

He stated, “While the bridge is partially closed, I have asked Suffolk County Council to cancel all non-essential roadworks in the town centre to ease the flow of traffic and prevent further jams."

The bottom line: Motorists should plan alternative routes or allow extra time for journeys during these closures, particularly for late-night or early-morning travel.