National Highways speaks out after Orwell Bridge reopens

A routine inspection, which took place on September 6, uncovered that one of the joints was found to be in a "potentially unsafe condition."

This resulted in the closure of one lane of the westbound carriageway and subsequent traffic issues across the town.

The Orwell Bridge was partially closed earlier this week for repairs (Image: Archant) A temporary cover plate was installed over the defect prior to overnight works where replacement bridge joints could be fitted.

These works were carried out on Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday September 18, with the bridge fully reopening on Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for National Highways East said: “The lane closure was for safety reasons and to reduce the risk of further damage, which could potentially lead to a full closure of the carriageway.

The lane was closed from Friday, September 6 to Thursday, September 19 (Image: A14 Traffic Cameras) "We apologised for the impact this has on local traffic and advised people travelling through the section to allow additional time for their journeys."

This recent closure reignited the debate on how to deal with the "embarrassing" issue of traffic gridlock caused by issues on the bridge.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of Orwell Bridge to the strategic road network, as well as it being an iconic structure and part of Ipswich’s landscape."

The bridge fully opened at 2.30am Thursday morning (Image: Sonya Duncan) "Its safe operation will always remain a priority for National Highways, and our robust maintenance regime that discovered the defect will continue to safeguard the future operation of this key piece of road infrastructure.”

In the wake of the closures Jack Abbott, the town's MP, wrote to Suffolk County Council to suspend road works in the town centre to ease congestion and to revive the taskforce created to solve the issues. 

Responding to the letter, Suffolk County Council leader Matthew Hicks said that he had asked the county council's cabinet member for Ipswich and Operational Highways, Councillor Paul West to look at Mr Abbott's requests further.