National Highways is to undertake essential maintenance on the A14 Orwell Bridge in Suffolk this summer.

A contraflow system will be set out in June so that two joints can be replaced on the westbound side of the bridge.

The A14 carries more than 60,000 vehicles a day across the River Orwell in Suffolk.

The work is expected to be completed in August and will see traffic sharing the eastbound carriageway, with one lane in use in each direction.

The current joints installed in 1998 are reaching the end of their life and now need to be replaced with new ones to keep the bridge functioning for many years to come.

Martin Fellows, National Highways regional director for the east, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and so this maintenance work is vital in helping to ensure the long-term safe operation of the bridge.

“We understand the impact that any reduction in capacity on the Orwell Bridge can have on those who rely on this iconic and important piece of road infrastructure. 

“The new joints are designed to last for 50 years, and completing this work now will help avoid the prospect of future closures being needed at short notice.

“A range of options to carry out these essential works were considered. We have worked closely with Suffolk County Council, the police and many stakeholders and have agreed that using a contraflow system during the roadworks was the least disruptive for road users, local communities, businesses and others who depend on the bridge on a daily basis.

“We fully understand the impact these essential works will have on the town, the surrounding county and beyond. We are setting out details of the work now, so people and businesses can plan ahead.”

A contraflow system allows engineers to carry out the work as quickly as possible while still keeping the road open to traffic in both directions.

The old bridge joints will need to be carefully extracted from the bridge. As each weigh around 7.5 tonnes, it’s a delicate operation that requires sustained working and access to the structure.

Bridge joints are crucial components in bridge construction that allow for movement and expansion of the bridge structure due to various factors like temperature changes, shrinkage, and traffic loads. 

They essentially provide a flexible connection between bridge sections, preventing damage and ensuring continued operation.

The work has been scheduled, to wherever possible, avoid clashes with significant events across the area including football matches and the Suffolk Show. 

While the immediate focus is on the westbound joints, a plan is also being developed to replace two eastbound joints in the near future.

Any full bridge closures will take place overnight when roads are less busy, and these are being kept to a minimum.   

Further details, including a confirmed start date, will be announced in the coming weeks.