Orwell Bridge lane closures start Monday as region snubbed by government on transport funding

Why it matters: The bridge closures highlight the region's ongoing transport challenges, with Suffolk continuing to rely on ageing infrastructure while other parts of the country receive major new funding commitments.

The details: Starting Monday, the bridge will undergo essential maintenance until August 2025, with drivers facing:

• Overnight lane closures between 20:00 and 06:00 from 16 June

• Full carriageway closures from 20 to 26 June, including weekends

• Eastbound carriageway towards Felixstowe reduced to one lane, westbound traffic continues without restrictions, from 23 June

• One-lane contraflow system from 26 June until August

• Closure of the westbound entry slip road at Junction 57 throughout the project

Work will be carried out 24/7, including weekends, with drivers advised to expect delays and allow extra travel time. During overnight closures, diversions will operate between Junction 58 and Junction 55 using the A12 and A1214.

The bigger picture: The maintenance project begins against a backdrop of frustration over the government's transport investment. Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £15bn for tram, train and bus projects in the North, the Midlands and the West Country, but made no new commitments to critical transport infrastructure in the East of England.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce remains hopeful that the Ely and Haughley rail junction upgrades will receive funding in the full Spending Review on 11 June. The chamber said: "These are projects without any opposition and which will see a return of £5 for every £1 invested. They are absolutely vital for the future growth of our vital ports, logistics and haulage businesses."

What's next: The chamber noted the "sheer breadth and depth of support" for the Ely/Haughley campaign, involving MPs and council leaders from across the region, plus "dozens of chambers of commerce from across the Midlands and the North". However, the organisation has yet to commit to backing a Northern Bypass for Ipswich, which many, including Ipswich MP Jack Abbott, continue to push as the only viable solution.

The bottom line: While essential bridge maintenance proceeds, Suffolk's ageing and under-invested transport infrastructure remains under pressure, with local leaders divided on where lobbying efforts are best placed and unable to secure a government commitment to major projects required to protect regional connectivity and economic growth.