Orwell Bridge

Orwell Bridge is a road crossing over the River Orwell in Ipswich that extends almost 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) and measures over 24 meters (79 feet) wide. The main span reaches 190 meters (623 feet) and allows ships to pass beneath the high roadway.

Work began in October 1979 under the leadership of Dutch company Stevin Construction. The crossing opened to traffic in December 1982 after three years of building activity.

The name refers to the river it crosses, an important waterway in Suffolk. Today thousands of commuters use this connection daily, making it a familiar part of their working routine.

Electronic displays show changing speed limits that vary according to wind conditions. During strong winds the crossing may close to high vehicles, so checking conditions beforehand helps avoid detours.

The foundations reach 40 meters (131 feet) into the riverbed and anchor the structure firmly in the ground. The Royal Fine Art Commission assessed the design favorably for its fit with the Suffolk countryside and riverbank setting.

Location: Ipswich

GPS coordinates: 52.02691,1.16449

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31