Speed limit and lane closures announced for Orwell Bridge

The details:

• A 40mph speed limit was introduced Friday afternoon (29 November) and will remain in force on the westbound carriageway until 06:00 on Friday 6 December.

• Lane closures will be in place overnight between 20:00 and 06:00 on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December.

• The restrictions only affect the westbound carriageway.

• Works are part of the next phase of maintenance to the bridge joints.

Planning ahead: National Highways has scheduled the work to begin after Ipswich Town's home match against Crystal Palace on 3 December to avoid disrupting supporters.

What they're saying: "We understand the impact that any reduction in capacity on the Orwell Bridge can have to those who rely on this iconic and important piece of road infrastructure," said Steven Thulborn, National Highways head of planning and development. "Our work here is vital for the long-term operation of the bridge."

The background: These works follow maintenance carried out in September when a bridge joint was found in a "potentially unsafe condition," which led to heavy delays around Ipswich.

Bottom line: Drivers travelling westbound across the bridge are advised to allow extra time for their journeys while the restrictions are in place.