In a recent response to a letter from Therese, National Highways have confirmed that any future repairs to the safety barrier on the Orwell Bridge should be carried out much more quickly by increasing their stocks of the bespoke barrier. Between the 9th of May and the 17th of June 2023, the bridge was subject to a 40mph temporary speed limit causing congestion and increasing travel time throughout the region.
According to the Regional Manager of National Highways, Martin Fellows, it took almost six weeks to repair as National Highways didn’t have enough stock of the specific barrier and had to order more.
Therese said: “The smooth flow of traffic over the Orwell Bridge is essential for local people and businesses, particularly lorries coming to and from the Port of Felixstowe. If traffic clogs up there, then it has a huge knock-on effect on local roads. That is why I was keen to get answers from National Highways on the length of time it took to repair the barrier.”
Therese added: “Following my intervention, I’m pleased they have committed to increasing their resilience, by ordering and keeping more stock of the bespoke barrier, which should expedite future repairs.”
