Press release

Orwell Bridge – speed limit considered

Work to improve safety for drivers on the A14 near Ipswich by reducing the speed limit on the Orwell Bridge is moving forward with a new focus on what the correct safe speed limit should be.

The Highways Agency is committed to finding a solution which will help to reduce the number of incidents along this stretch of the A14.

In January, following detailed engagement with stakeholders, the Agency published proposals for reducing the speed limit over the bridge to 50mph. The publication included a statutory objection period, and a number of objections to the plans have been received. East Regional Director, Catherine Brookes, said:

The Orwell Bridge is a vitally important traffic link, and it is clear that there is a range of views on what the appropriate safe speed limit should be. We welcome this engagement with the process, and it is right that we should take the views expressed under consideration.

Many of the objections argued against a 50mph and 60mph speed limit for the bridge, so we will now take a detailed look at those objections and investigate what the appropriate speed limit should be and whether any further safety measures can be introduced which will continue to improve safety for drivers.

We remain absolutely committed to improving safety on the Orwell Bridge and are taking forward this work as a priority.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 10 February 2015