Orwell Bridge in Suffolk re-opens

The Orwell bridge in Suffolk has now re-opened.

The bridge on the A14 had been closed in both directions since 1am due to strong winds.

There's gridlock on the A14 in Suffolk as the Orwell bridge in Suffolk remains closed.

The bridge, which carries the A14 over the river Orwell near Ipswich closed at 1am due to high winds.

The bridge will remain closed until the high winds subside and an exact time cannot be given.

Orwell Bridge will remain closed until at least 9am for safety reasons Highways England has said.

The Orwell Bridge, which carries the A14 over the river Orwell near Ipswich closed at 1am this morning (Tuesday 22 November) due to high winds.

The bridge will remain closed until the high winds subside and an exact time cannot be given.

Highways England's issued advice to drivers as strong winds hit parts of the East of England, closing the Orwell Bridge in Suffolk.

• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is significantly reduced.
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
• Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.
• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
• Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.
• On flooded roads, think before driving through deep water; don’t stop in standing water, and drive through the highest section of the road slowly. If there is any doubt don’t enter it.
• Once you have managed to drive through check your brakes and dry them out as quickly as possible – a light touch of the brakes whilst still moving should do the trick.
• Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.

A bridge on the A14 in Suffolk's been closed in both directions because of strong winds overnight.

The Orwell Bridge near Ipswich is shut between junction 55 for the A12 and junction 58 Seven Hills.

The bridge is expected to remain shut until at least 8 o'clock this morning.

During the Orwell Bridge closure there is a planned diversion route, via the A1156, A1189 and A1214 through Ipswich.

Highways England will continue to monitor wind speeds closely and will reopen the bridge as soon as it is safe to do so.

Drivers planning to travel during the current severe weather are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and check the latest weather and traffic conditions along the route.

Drivers should be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space.

• More: Flood alerts in force in the Anglia region

• The latest Anglia Weather forecast and highest wind gusts