A14 eastbound over Orwell Bridge near Ipswich reopens

National Highways announced this morning (December 1) that the A14 heading eastbound between junctions 55 for Copdock and 57 for Nacton would remain closed after some specialist equipment used during the overnight roadworks broke down.

The underbridge inspection vehicle - similar in size to a HGV - lost power while the platform, which extends from the vehicle and is lowered under the bridge’s surface, was stuck overhanging the edge of the Orwell Bridge. 

The engineers at the scene confirmed that part of the machine needed to be replaced to remove it from the bridge, and another underbridge inspection vehicle was required. 

The specialist equipment broke down while partially in the carriageway (Image: National Highways)

This highly specialist vehicle had to travel 250 miles from Teesside in North Yorkshire and arrived at the scene at around 7pm today.

The Orwell Bridge was cleared by around 8.40pm and the road closure was removed. 

At the height of the traffic, drivers reported being stuck on the A14 for over four hours. 

Traffic stretched between Capel St Mary on the A12 into the centre of Ipswich, with London Road completely gridlocked for large portions of the day.

For most of the congestion, drivers experienced stand-still traffic from as far back as Claydon.

Gritter lorries were delayed on their route around the Suffolk roads and, with temperatures expected to reach -5C overnight, will head out shortly. 

National Highways thanked those using the A14 for their patience.