Further closures of the Orwell Bridge have been planned so that a "complex" safety issue can be fixed. 

National Highways closed one lane of the westbound carriageway of the Orwell Bridge on Friday after a "potential defect" was found during a routine inspection. 

However, it has since been confirmed that an overnight closure will be needed to fix the issue. 

Work will begin on Friday but the overnight closure will be in place next week. 

A spokesman for National Highways said: "Later this week, we’ll start carrying out essential repairs on the westbound carriageway of the Orwell bridge. 

"To carry out the work safely, we’ll need to close the full westbound carriageway between 9pm and 5am on Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18."

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

The diversion route is as follows:

  • Turn at J57 on to the A14.
  • Follow to J58 and take the exit slip to the A12.
  • Join the A1214 from the 1st exit on roundabout Martlesham.
  • Continue on A1214 (main road and Woodbridge road) to the roundabout.
  • Take the 3rd exit to Colchester Road to rejoin the A1214 (Valley road).
  • Continue on A1214 (Yarmouth road) and turn right to Join A1214 (London Road).
  • Continue to Copdock Interchange.

The carriageway is expected to be fully reopened by 5am on Thursday, September 19. 

The closure has caused severe delays to drivers, especially around rush hours. It has also had a knock-on effect to those driving around Ipswich. 

Ipswich Buses have said that a number of their services have been affected by the westbound lane closure that has been in place since Friday evening. 

A spokesman for the company said: "Due to the closure of one westbound lane on the Orwell Bridge, this is causing severe delays particularly on routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

"We are doing our best to get to you and get you to your destination."