Orwell Bridge reduced speed limits could be in place by next winter

Reduced speed limits across the Orwell Bridge would bring down the number of closures due to high winds, highways planners have said.

The bridge, which carries the A14 over the River Orwell near Ipswich, currently closes when winds get above 50mph (80km/h).

Business groups have often spoken of their frustration at the [repeated closures.](http://Business groups have spoken of their frustration at the repeated closures of the Orwell Bridge in Ipswich.)

Now year-long study commissioned by Highways England has found three possible solutions to the problem - a reduction in speed limit, using temporary lane closures to mitigate the effect of high winds on vehicles, and keeping the bridge open in one direction.

Highways England will take forward all the report’s recommendations to assess their feasibility, with a view to introducing technology able to change the speed limit in high winds before the end of the year.

The Orwell Bridge opened in 1982 and carries 60,000 vehicles a day.

It stands up to 43 metres tall over the River Orwell, and traffic on the bridge can operate safely at head or tail wind speeds of up to 60mph (or 50mph when the wind is blowing from the side).