Delays expected as carriageway is closed on Orwell Bridge to allow for replacement of expansion joints

Motorists look set for delays over the summer when “essential maintenance work” is carried out on the Orwell Bridge.

National Highways is planning to close the westbound side of the crossing to replace two expansion joints.

Work is expected to start in June and last for seven weeks with staff working round the clock.

There will be a contraflow in operation during the work with one line of traffic in each direction.

National Highways said: ” In order to keep the bridge functioning for many years to come we need to remove and replace the two westbound expansion joints on the A14 Orwell Bridge.

“Ensuring the safety of our workforce and everyone using the Orwell Bridge is our top priority.

“The current joints, which were last replaced in 1998, have performed in line with expectations and we now need to remove those and replace them with new joints.

“The new joints are designed to last for 50 years, and completing this work now will help avoid the potential of future unplanned closures.

“Our construction work is expected to start in mid to late June 2025 and take approximately seven weeks to complete.

“Our intention is to carry out the work over the summer, avoiding local events such as the Suffolk Show. This will also mitigate the risk delays caused by poor weather if we were to carry out this work in the autumn / winter months.

“We will be working around the clock, and the bridge will be kept open to traffic for much of the time, with one lane of traffic in each direction under contraflow.

“Some full overnight closures will be required but these will be kept to a minimum.

“While some delays are to be expected, the contraflow option allows us to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible and minimise disruption caused by diverted or displaced traffic through Ipswich.”