A14 Orwell Bridge to close and divert traffic through Ipswich as county braces for Storm Ciarán

Motorists have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys as a major bridge on the A14 is set to close for safety reasons.

The Orwell Bridge, outside Ipswich, will shut for 24 hours from midnight as east Suffolk braces for Storm Ciarán.

The storm – the second in under a month – is set to bring high winds, with a yellow warning in place for towns including Stowmarket, Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Eye – and a yellow warning is in place from 9pm today.

This means ‘potentially damaging winds’ could batter the county from tonight.

A National Highways spokesman said the decision was made to close it and install a diversion ahead of this.

While the closure is in place, motorists will be diverted from junction 55 at Copdock onto the A1214 through Ipswich.

They should then join the A1189 from Woodbridge Road East, continuing onto Felixstowe Road and the A1156, before rejoining the A14 at junction 58 at Seven Hills.

This route is reversed for those going in the other direction.

Craig Sowden, National Highways’ operations manager for the East of England, said the bridge is only closed as a last resort.

He added: “We understand the inconvenience the closure of Orwell Bridge causes across the region, but our priority will always be public safety. The high winds we are expecting means it would be unsafe to try and operate the bridge under those conditions.

“Throughout the closure we will continue to work with the Met Office and as soon as we are confident the bridge can be safely reopened we will do so.

“If you’re unable to delay your journey until the worst of the weather has passed, please plan your route and allow extra time to reach your destination.

“When encountering strong winds please slow your speed and keep focused on the road ahead as you may encounter debris in the carriageway.

“If possible, try to avoid exposed sections of road as lorries, caravans and motorbikes can be at particular risk of being buffeted by the wind.”