Traffic chaos as Orwell Bridge partially closed by broken down vehicle
The A14 has been closed eastbound for much of the day after an engineering vehicle blocked the crossing
Last updated 1st Dec 2023
Commuters in Ipswich are facing major disruption this evening as a broken down engineering vehicle has blocked part of the Orwell Bridge.
It's affecting traffic heading eastbound between Junction 55 at Washbrook and Junction 57 at Nacton.
The machinery was being used during planned engineering work on the crossing overnight but broke down, meaning the bridge could not reopen as planned at 6am this morning.
National Highways says its having to wait for another specialist vehicle coming all the way from Yorkshire to arrive to fix the issue.
Regional Operations Manager Duncan Gennery said: “The last thing we ever want is for people to be delayed and stuck in traffic."
"Unfortunately, the fact this vehicle’s hydraulic unit has failed essentially ties the vehicle to the carriageway as it has an extending platform that is now stuck in place under the bridge’s surface.
“This underbridge inspection vehicle is the size of a HGV and it has a significant counter balance on the opposite side to the platform.
"This extends very close to the second eastbound lane which why it is unsafe to open that and let traffic pass the scene.
“Ahead of the evening commute please allow yourself extra time to complete your journey and follow the official diversion route.
"We are doing everything we can to get this vehicle, repaired, removed and the carriageway back open as soon as possible.”
Motorists are being urged to follow this diversion route:
- Exit the A14 at J55 Copdock Mill and follow the A1214 around Ipswich to Woodbridge Road roundabout.
- At the roundabout take the second exit on to the A1189.
- Follow the A1189 to Felixstowe Road A1156 roundabout.
- At the roundabout go straight over and travel along the A1156 Felixstowe Road to re-join the A14 at J58.