Important roadworks information: A14 Orwell Bridge westbound joints replacement

Below is a copy of a letter about forthcoming roadworks on the Orwell Bridge. 

Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing to inform you of our plans for essential maintenance work on the A14 Orwell Bridge. In order to keep the bridge functioning for many years to come we need to remove and replace the two westbound expansion joints on the A14 Orwell Bridge.

Ensuring the safety of our workforce and everyone using the Orwell Bridge is our top priority. The current joints, which were last replaced in 1998, have performed in line with expectations and we now need to remove those and replace them with new joints. The new joints are designed to last for 50 years, and completing this work now will help avoid the potential of future unplanned closures.

Our construction work is expected to start in mid to late June 2025 and take approximately 7 weeks to complete. Our intention is to carry out the work over the summer, avoiding local events such as the Suffolk Show. This will also mitigate the risk delays caused by poor weather if we were to carry out this work in the autumn / winter months.

We will be working around the clock, and the bridge will be kept open to traffic for much of the time, with one lane of traffic in each direction under contraflow. Some full overnight closures will be required but these will be kept to a minimum. While some delays are to be expected, the contraflow option allows us to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible and minimise disruption caused by diverted or displaced traffic through Ipswich.

We are committed to ensuring all local communities, businesses and road users are well-informed. As we finalise the construction programme, we will be collaborating with key stakeholders and businesses to provide time for them to plan ahead to avoid disruption. 

We will write to you again, well in advance of the work once further details, including a confirmed start date is known.

How to find out more 

For the latest information, please visit our dedicated webpage at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/the-orwell-bridge/.

If you would like more information, please contact us on 0300 123 5000, or by email at  info@nationalhighways.co.uk.