Suffolk MPs discuss the impact of Orwell Bridge closures

MPs James Cartlidge, Jack Abbott, Patrick Spencer and Jenny Riddell-Carpenter met at Suffolk Food Hall last Friday to discuss how challenging it can be for their constituents when the bridge is closed. 

They were joined by members from Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Highways, National Highways, Suffolk Police, and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting was chaired by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge who secured confirmation work is expected to be brought forward on the bridge to April next year. 

The meeting was held on last Friday. (Image: James Cartlidge MP)

The South Suffolk MP said a few key actions were agreed during the meeting.

These included a feasibility study by Suffolk County Council into the closure of footpaths over the bridge and for National Highways to engage with residents on the impact of a closure once a fixed date for the works was confirmed.

Mr Cartlidge added: "Thirdly, on the wider impact of the Orwell Bridge on our economy, we agreed as MPs to continue to push in Parliament for funding for investment in Ely and Haughley junctions, so that there is more freight going by rail instead of the bridge.

"Overall, I’m delighted that we are working together across party lines to look at what more can be done to support this vital piece of infrastructure for our county."

Jack Abbott MP said he wanted a task force to discuss the impact of the Orwell Bridge closures. (Image: Roger Harris/ House of Commons) Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has been outspoken about the works since it caused a lane closure on the bridge in September. 

He called for the resumption of the Ipswich task force to look into the impact caused by the closures.

He said: “Orwell Bridge closures are a blight on Ipswich and the surrounding area, and we have suffered fresh chaos in recent weeks.

“A number of major issues are on the horizon, and the only viable way to tackle them is with a proactive cross-party, multi-agency focus. As well as carrying out crucial works to the Orwell Bridge - and finding other mitigations to ease problems - it also means pursuing a deliverable alternative route.

Work is set to start on Orwell Bridge next April. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

“Last week’s meeting with other Suffolk MPs, local businesses, National Highways, the Police and others was an important start.

“Our residents and businesses can’t afford for this issue to be kicked into the long grass any longer.”