National Highways will be carrying out work on the major bridge which is expected to last until August.
Drivers were first informed of the works in April when National Highways described the project as “essential”.
The works will last until August (Image: Sonya Duncan)
The work is planned to take place in stages to minimise disruption around the town.
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From Monday, June 16, there will be overnight lane closures between 8pm and 6am.
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From Friday, June 20 to Thursday, June 26, there will be overnight carriageway closures between 8pm and 6am, including the weekend.
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From Monday, June 23, the eastbound carriageway towards Felixstowe will be reduced to one lane. Westbound will be unaffected.
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From Thursday, June 26 until August, both carriageways will have one lane open in each direction through contraflow roadworks.
As part of the works, National Highways will be removing and replacing two bridge expansion joints on the westbound carriageway.
It comes after a routine inspection of the bridge last September highlighted that one of the westbound joints was in a “potentially unsafe condition”.
National Highways has said the Orwell Bridge will be kept open as much as possible, with one lane open, but sometimes full closures will be required.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We’ll need some full overnight closures but will keep them to a minimum.
“While some delays are expected, the contraflow roadworks will let us complete work as safely and quickly as possible and minimise the disruption of diverting traffic through Ipswich.”
When the bridge is closed, National Highways is encouraging drivers to stay on the A14 for as long as possible, rather than divert onto less suitable routes through Ipswich.
The spokesman added: “While the A14 is closed overnight, drivers will be diverted using a clearly signed route between junction 58 and junction 55 via the A12 and A1214.
“Please be aware that these dates may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as poor weather, but we will keep you updated.”
