Works start on Orwell Bridge so it can remain open during higher winds

Works to try and prevent the Orwell Bridge from having to close have begun.

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 25th Jan 2021

Seven weeks of work on the Orwell Bridge in Suffolk have begun.

Highways England is going to be installing electronic signs so that speed limits can be changed during higher winds instead of having to close the bridge completely.

The signs will display a maximum driver speed limit of 60mph for winds speeds of up to 45mph, or a 40mph driver speed limit if wind speeds of between 45mph to 60mph are forecast.

The bridge will be closed if wind speeds of 60mph or above predicted due to the safety risk to motorists.

Speed cameras are also going to be installed on the bridge to enforce the new changeable limits.

The work is due to be completed on Friday 12th March, weather dependent.

Highways England says it'll be working between 9pm and 5am on weeknights.

Some lane closures will be necessary for the work though.

The A14 road eastbound from junction 55 to junction 58 will be closed overnight from 9pm to 5am for 5 nights, starting from Monday 1 March to Friday 5 March.

The A14 road westbound will also be closed from junction 58 to junction 55 overnight from 9pm to 5am for 5 nights, starting from Monday 8 March to Friday 12 March.

Diversions will be in place while lane closures are in force:

Monday 1 March to Friday 5 March (9pm to 5am):

Eastbound traffic will be diverted from the A14 at junction 55, exiting onto the A1214 / Yarmouth Road / Chevallier Street / Valley Road / Colchester Road / Woodbridge Road / Main Road before exiting onto the A12. Following the A12 before re-joining the A14 at junction 58.

Monday 8 March to Friday 12 March (9pm to 5am):

Westbound traffic will be diverted from A14 at junction 58 onto the A12, following this before exiting onto the A1214 / Main Road, continuing to the A1214 / Woodbridge Road / Colchester Road / Valley Road / Chevallier Street / Yarmouth Road before re-joining the A14 at junction 55.

Highways England says once complete the works will mean the bridge can stay open more often during storms, which will result in less congestion in town due to closures.

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