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# Orwell Bridge to close overnight for urgent repairs
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/orwell-bridge-to-close-overnight-for-urgent-repairs/
- Published: 2024-09-17T09:01:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:35:24.000Z
- Description: A full westbound carriageway closure on the Orwell Bridge will be in place for the next two evenings to repair a potential defect discovered during a routine inspection.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, #article, National Highways, Suffolk County Council, Jack Abbott, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** The Orwell Bridge will undergo urgent repair work starting Tuesday evening. This follows a week-long single-lane closure after National Highways identified a potential issue.

**Key details:**

- Full westbound carriageway closure between 9pm and 5am on Tuesday and Wednesday
- The closure allows for the safe repair of the defect found during an inspection
- Road expected to fully reopen by 5am on Thursday
- A diversion route will be in place while the carriageway is closed

**Why it matters:** The overnight closures will impact late-night and early-morning travellers, potentially causing delays for commuters and freight traffic.

**Don't forget:** Drivers are also reminded of upcoming A14 closures:

- A stretch of the A14 will be closed over some nights from junction 52 near Claydon to junction 55 at the Copdock Interchange until approximately mid-November
- These closures will be in place between 8pm and 6am on weeknights
- The work allows for a new asphalt surface to be applied
- A 10-mile (16km) diversion route will be in place via the B1113, A1071, and A1214

**What they're saying:** Ipswich MP [Jack Abbott had called on Suffolk County Council to abandon the roadworks](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/jack-abbott-had-called-on-suffolk-county-council-to-abandon-the-roadworks/) during the repairs to the Orwell, but this looks to have fallen on deaf ears.

He stated, “While the bridge is partially closed, I have asked Suffolk County Council to cancel all non-essential roadworks in the town centre to ease the flow of traffic and prevent further jams."

**The bottom line:** Motorists should plan alternative routes or allow extra time for journeys during these closures, particularly for late-night or early-morning travel.

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