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Further travel chaos expected as Orwell Bridge lane closure set to continue for two weeks

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A lane closure on the Orwell Bridge near Ipswich will remain in place for the next couple of weeks due to safety concerns.

The big picture: National Highways closed one lane of the westbound carriageway on Friday after finding a potential defect during a routine inspection. The closure has caused severe delays, especially during peak times.

The Orwell Bridge in Ipswich
Orwell Bridge in IpswichRob AthertonGetty Images

Why it matters: The Orwell Bridge is a crucial link for traffic in and around Ipswich. Its partial closure affects thousands of drivers daily and impacts local bus services.

Key details:

  • The lane closure is in place to reduce the risk of further damage that could lead to a full carriageway closure.

  • Preparatory works are programmed to commence this week.

  • The next stage involves replacing the necessary components of the bridge structure.

What's next: National Highways aims to rectify the defect and reopen the closed lane as soon as possible, but the operation is expected to take a couple of weeks.

The bottom line: Drivers should expect continued delays and plan their journeys accordingly until the lane reopens.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Ipswich Regent and Corn Exchange announce star-studded spring entertainment lineup

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The Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange have unveiled their spring season programme, featuring top comedians Jimmy Carr and Jack Dee alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars and music tributes.

The big picture: The spring season spans multiple entertainment genres, bringing a variety of performances to Ipswich:

  • Eight major comedy shows running from February to April

  • Six Strictly Come Dancing professionals performing individual shows

  • Two classic opera productions

  • Multiple music tribute acts and performances

Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineup
Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineupIpswich Theatres

Key performances

Comedy:

  • Paddy McGuinness: Nearly There (20 February)

  • Jack Dee: Small World (27 February)

  • Chris McCausland: Yonks (18 March)

  • Mo Gilligan: In The Moment World Tour (22 March)

  • Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny (9 April)

  • Rob Beckett: Giraffe (15-16 April)

Dance:

  • Giovanni Pernice (21 March)

  • Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu (23 March)

  • Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez (28 March)

  • Nikita Kuzmin (19 April)

Music:

  • BOYZLIFE (26 January)

  • Big Girls Don't Cry (14 February)

  • The Darkness (6-7 March) - sold out

  • Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (23 April)

  • Illegal Eagles (25 April)

Opera:

  • Madama Butterfly (4 February)

  • La Bohème (27 March)

What they're saying: Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said: "We're thrilled to present an exciting new season of shows at the Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange, which are designed to delight, inspire, and entertain."

The bottom line: All shows are now available to book through the Ipswich Theatres website, except for The Darkness performances which have sold out.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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