Orwell Bridge to close and warning to Broads boaters after Met Office Storm Ciarán warning

A major route will shut to traffic, coastal attractions are temporarily closing and boaters are being warned against getting on the water as Storm Ciarán approaches the East.

Drivers will have to follow a diversion after the Orwell Bridge on the outskirts of Ipswich shuts at midnight on Wednesday for 24 hours.

Suffolk has been issued a yellow warning by the Met Office which is predicting potentially damaging winds overnight and into the early hours of Thursday morning.

The closure comes as boaters in Norfolk are being warned to stay off the water on the Broads because of concerns over potentially life-threatening fast-flowing or deep floodwater.

The eastbound diversion around the Orwell Bridge starts at the A14 at junction 55 Copdock Mill and drivers will have to travel on the A1214 through Ipswich, the A1189 to Felixstowe Road, off Woodbridge Road roundabout, and then the A1156, before rejoining the eastbound A14 at junction 58 in Levington.

Drivers on the westbound diversion will take the same route but in reverse.

Craig Sowden, National Highways operations manager for the east, said a full bridge closure was implemented when "absolutely necessary".

He added: "We understand the inconvenience the closure of Orwell Bridge causes 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, plan your route and allow extra time to reach your destination.

"When encountering strong winds slow your speed and keep focused on the road as you may encounter debris.

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

In Norfolk, the Broads Authority is warning boaters to be wary where they moor up, avoiding areas with lots of trees and other potentially unstable structures.

Rangers have also increased safety checks around the Broads before the storm arrives and will carry out checks afterwards. 

Lucy Burchnall, head of ranger services at the Broads Authority, said: "We are advising boaters not to navigate during the storm if possible, and to expect high-water levels to remain long after the storm recedes."

Some of the attractions on Clacton Pier in Essex will be out of action during the stormy conditions.

Elliot Ball, director of Clacton Pier said: "We are always monitoring the weather conditions, especially given the nature and vulnerability of our business.

"The usual preparations are being made to prepare ourselves for the incoming Storm Ciarán and we have taken all practical measures to ensure the safety of the pier, pier staff and visitors.

"Our high attractions are our biggest concern and these have been folded down, strapped and locked into position.

"Clacton Pier's indoor facilities will remain open throughout, with only the pier ride deck being closed off to the public as precaution throughout Thursday."

A spokesman from Stansted Airport advised passengers to check flights with their airline before travelling tomorrow but said the airport was operating as normal.

National Highways will also be monitoring the situation around the QEII Bridge at Dartford.

"The Met Office have told us that we are likely to get the highest wind speeds in the early hours of the morning," said a spokesman.

"However, there are no plans at present to close the QEII bridge at present.

"Wind speeds are not expected to go beyond 50mph.

"We do have plans in place to reduce speed limits and use buffer lanes on the bridge should winds go above 50mph," the spokesman added.

Storm Ciarán is set to arrive through Wednesday night and into Thursday, with the strongest winds expected through much of Thursday.

Because of that, the Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings for wind and rain, with an amber wind warning creeping into the Essex coast.

Winds are expected to reach 55-65mph quite widely in the yellow warning zone and 70-80mph in the amber warning area.

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