A14 Orwell Bridge and Ipswich brought to standstill by crash

Suffolk Police were called to the crash that occurred around 9am on Monday leading to the Orwell Bridge being closed shortly after for most of the day. A crash between two vehicles[1] led to the closure of the A14 between junctions 57 and 56, causing huge congestion and waits of up to an hour along the major road as well as diversions through Ipswich's town centre.

Huge queues formed after a crash on the A14 near Ipswich (Image: A14 Traffic Cameras) Fire crews from Ipswich Princes Street, Ipswich East and Woodbridge[2] attended the scene after being called by the ambulance service.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: "Upon arrival, firefighters helped extricate a male driver from an HGV. "Two female casualties from another car that was involved were already in the care of the ambulance service." However, injury details have yet to be shared by the East of England Ambulance Service, which has been contacted for further information.

Traffic in the lead up to the Orwell Bridge (Image: A14 Traffic Cameras) Roads throughout Ipswich, including Felixstowe Road, Nacton Road, and Bishops Hill, became gridlocked following the crash. Suffolk Constabulary advised that the closure would remain in place for some time, urging drivers to seek alternative routes.

National Highways issued several updates throughout the day, reporting up to 50 minutes of delays and four miles of congestion at the height of the disruption. The closure caused gridlock between junctions 56 and 58, with long tailbacks in both directions with the Orwell Bridge still closed after 4pm. Emergency services continued to manage traffic and carry out investigations throughout the day, with the westbound carriageway remaining shut well into the afternoon.

References

1. ^ Original URL: https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/26055299.a14-closed-crash-near-orwell-bridge-ipswich/?ref=ed_direct. Click or tap if you trust this link. (eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)
2. ^ Original URL: https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/26055382.live-a14-updates-serious-crash-shuts-orwell-bridge/?ref=ed_direct.

   Click or tap if you trust this link. (eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)