Community leaders have pledged to look at moves to reduce "ad-hoc closures" of the Orwell Bridge.

Whenever the A14 bridge south of Ipswich shuts, gridlock generally forms in the town and surrounding area.

It is estimated that the closure of the Orwell Bridge costs Ipswich up to £1million per day, with the A14 road connecting the town to the Port of Felixstowe.

The Orwell Bridge near IpswichThe Orwell Bridge near Ipswich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

A meeting involving MPs, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, councillors, police and National Highways was held in early November regarding the issue.

County councillor Paul West and South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge have now said Suffolk County Council has committed to work with National Highways to look at ways to reduce the number of bridge closures.

 

Suffolk County Councillor Paul West Suffolk County Councillor Paul West (Image: Archant) Mr West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for operational highways and flooding, said: “Following a recent meeting chaired by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge with National Highways and local MPs, we discussed the importance of keeping this bridge well-maintained and open but recognised this isn’t an issue that can be solved without central government help, it’s a strategic national issue requiring a national solution.

“We are working with partners locally and nationally to consider what additional measures might be possible to reduce the number of ad-hoc closures, including using data to focus on increasing road safety measures and reducing the number of accidents.”

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and South Suffolk MP James CartlidgeIpswich MP Jack Abbott and South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge (Image: Jack Abbott) Mr Cartlidge agreed with Mr West that the group must work with National Highways to communicate issues with the bridge as soon as they arise.

He added: “I am pleased that Suffolk County Council has committed to work with National Highways to look at how we can help to reduce the number of closures of the Orwell Bridge which have a significant impact on the local area.

“However, this will require a multi-agency approach which is precisely why I organised a meeting earlier this month with the relevant stakeholders – to get people round the table and discussing solutions to help ease the impact for my constituents and local businesses.