Traffic chaos on A14 outside Ipswich with one hour delays due to Orwell Bridge lane closure for maintenance works

There is traffic chaos reported on part of the A14 with one hour delays due to a lane closure on the Orwell Bridge.

Maintenance works are being carried out by National Highways on the bridge as part of a seven-week project to remove and replace two bridge expansion joints in the westbound carriageway, for the first time since 1998.

The lane closure is causing severe delays for drivers on the A14 outside Ipswich with queues backing up past Bramford and towards Claydon.

There are also severe delays on the A12 past Capel St Mary and the A137 towards Tattingstone, according to the AA traffic map.

A National Highways spokesperson said due to the ongoing maintenance work, there are currently one hour delays on the A14 eastbound within junction 54.

“Lane one remains closed to provide crews and inspectors with a safe working area to complete the necessary emergency repairs,” the spokesperson added.

On Thursday, until August, both carriageways will have a lane shut over the Orwell Bridge.

A spokesperson for National Highways previously said the bridge would remain open for much of the project and urged motorists to stay on the A14 where possible.

“Like any major structure, the bridge needs frequent maintenance to keep it in a safe and serviceable condition,” they said.

“Sometimes we need to close the bridge to keep road users and our team safe while we work.

“We understand closures cause disruption to road users and local communities. We strive to keep the bridge open as often as we can.

“Our work isn’t always visible. We may be carrying out repairs underneath the road surface, or waiting for construction materials to dry or set before continuing our work.”