| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) 14:58 - Jan 23 with 17804 views | FinidiCentenary |
Well, it has been open for nearly a week.
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/high-winds-to-close-a14-orwell-bridge-in-suffo
Only a matter of time before Terry Baxter tells us the local economy / town centre has lost another million quid. So that's three million in three weeks (assuming the figures are anywhere near accurate).
Am I right in saying that we don't get any money for a Northern Bypass, but Norwich successfully asked for a pot of money from the same kitty for something cosmetic, which was not particularly needed.
Given this is the road which pretty much most of the goods shipped to and from the UK have to travel to, I'm amazed there hasn't been a solution sorted a long time ago. Yet another day of gridlock to contest with on the towns roads. [Post edited 23 Jan 2018 15:02]
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:41 - Jan 23 with 5697 views | factual_blue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:32 - Jan 23 by FinidiCentenary |
Top trolling again Amy. Much better than some of your past efforts.
Last week it took me nearly 3 hours to get to work for what is usually a 15 minute journey. I couldn't not go to work. There was no other route that was quicker. I don't drive a high sided lorry.
Like the majority of people having to get to work, the usual route is blocked for hours and the alternate routes are therefore suffocated with the diverted traffic.
What behaviour would you like to modify exactly? Maybe Eddie Stobart can give their drivers bikes to transport 20 tonnes of goods to Birmingham?
Or would you prefer it if we just did away with trade altogether? |
You spelt 'top trolling blueas' wrongly. |  |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:42 - Jan 23 with 5693 views | ITFC_Forever |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:40 - Jan 23 by artsbossbeard |
The whole stretch of the A14 has cameras along it for the 60mph enforcement and then fine lorry drivers/firms who are in breach, simple.
Thinking about it, the fine would have to be significant enough to be deemed too expensive for the firms in terms of additional diesel/mileage costs. |
Indeed, some drivers / firms would simply pay the fine for the sake of delivering on time.
They would be better issuing points to the driver than fining them. |  |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:42 - Jan 23 with 5694 views | FinidiCentenary |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:38 - Jan 23 by ITFC_Forever |
There would always be some lorry driver who ignores / doesn't understand the warnings and gets stuck.
And how do you put a barrier across without significantly slowing the flow of traffic anyway while it squeezes through? (And also round the lorries that have ignored the warning).
Fines is probably the only way to enforce it - they have the cameras on the bridge anyway which record number plates for the average speed cameras. All they have to do is study the footage between the two times the bridge is closed to high sided vehicles and job done. |
You stick the barriers at the previous slip road so that any overheight vehicles can exit. They obviously have to when the bridge is closed anyway and have the same issues reading signs etc if they are foreign hauliers.
The barrier going across is presumably no different to shutting the bridge. They have to clear that of traffic at some point as well. It's not like they wait until it's empty.
As you say they already have cameras there and number plate recognition. Given how much we love to fine drivers and all that, again it would be simple to implement. | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:00 - Jan 23 with 5671 views | factual_blue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:21 - Jan 23 by FinidiCentenary |
You are correct in that they can't help the weather.
What they can help is
a) Not closing it to all traffic when there are high winds, just like how it used to run for years and years prior to the last 12 months or so, with little or no incidents as a result
b) If it really is dangerous for high sided vehicles then close the bridge to these vehicles and allow all other traffic to use the bridge normally at a reduced speed if absolutely necessary
c) Better plan major roadworks in areas likely to see diverted traffic from the bridge to avoid the months where the wind is most likely to be highest and the bridge most likely to be shut
d) Proper campaigning by politicians for funds to build a Northern Bypass instead of going after pointless vanity projects like Gummers wet dock nonsense
e) Actual communication between the councils and parties responsible for roads and maintenance as it strikes me none of them talk to each other or the power companies as quite often diversion routes from one set of maintenance is also undergoing maintenance when it's non emergency work, been planned for months and completely clashes
f) When they do close the bridge, perhaps not do what they did last week. Tell everyone all day the bridge would be closed the following day, then announce it would definitely be open and then confirm at 7am they were closing it after all, leaving people without the option to leave early or plan another route until it was too late |
Obviously the gays are to blame for bad weather. trumpists and kippers will tell you that, so it must be true. | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:03 - Jan 23 with 5663 views | Benters2 |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:39 - Jan 23 by FinidiCentenary |
I saw a video years ago on Facebook with a similar bridge in Switzerland or somewhere, where they had two cars with flashing lights going in opposite directions.
They escorted traffic at 20mph or something, then when they reach the other end, they did a U-turn onto the start of the bridge and carried it on.
Seemed incredibly simply and effective. Nobody could speed, everything was moving. Simple. |
Just let the cars go across if its dodgy ? That would be something shirley? | | | |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:17 - Jan 23 with 5650 views | Deano69 |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:27 - Jan 23 with 5636 views | Pinewoodblue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:03 - Jan 23 by Benters2 |
Just let the cars go across if its dodgy ? That would be something shirley? |
Sad to say but costs come into it. In this case the cost of policing any temporary ban on lorries above a set weight crossing the bridge. Should also ban caravans.
On the radio today someone was asking why, when one carriageway is closed for overnight work, they don't set up a contra flow system on the other carriageway. Answer given was that it would be too expensive. Apparently with one carriageway between Nacton & Felixstowe being closed at night lorries are tanking it through the villages. Someone has even been taking the law into their own hands at taking pot shots at lorries.
Overnight closures are a big problem for anyone who regularly drives late at night.Couple of years ago both A3 & M3 had overnight closures Ended up going from Southampton to Ipswich via Newbury & M4. Then two stretches of M25 reduced to one lane.
Everything for the convenience of big business. [Post edited 23 Jan 2018 17:29]
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:32 - Jan 23 with 5630 views | Pinewoodblue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:17 - Jan 23 by Deano69 |
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Do you remember when they used to put fencing up to stop snow drifting across roads each winter?
On A12 & A140 for example. | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:38 - Jan 23 with 5619 views | SenatorBlue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:26 - Jan 23 by amy73 |
Being occasionally delayed in traffic for a small time is no reason to build over green fields and destroy villages. What happens when new roads are full up? It would be better to modify behaviour. |
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ironically those green fields have been dug up to build an access road for wind turbines coincidentally exactly on the optimal route required for a northern bypass (3/4 of the way I believe). |  | | |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:41 - Jan 23 with 5610 views | J2BLUE |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:03 - Jan 23 by Benters2 |
Just let the cars go across if its dodgy ? That would be something shirley? |
Apparently they tried that in Scotland and a lorry went over. It then got blown over.
I don't see why they can't announce they are installing an adjustable barrier. In normal times make it high enough not to be an issue. During times of high wind lower the barrier to only allow smaller vehicles through. I know the system would fall down if a lorry got there and realised they can't get through but make sure everyone knows in advance what the new system is. |  |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:47 - Jan 23 with 5607 views | Pinewoodblue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:41 - Jan 23 by J2BLUE |
Apparently they tried that in Scotland and a lorry went over. It then got blown over.
I don't see why they can't announce they are installing an adjustable barrier. In normal times make it high enough not to be an issue. During times of high wind lower the barrier to only allow smaller vehicles through. I know the system would fall down if a lorry got there and realised they can't get through but make sure everyone knows in advance what the new system is. |
There is a low bridge, under railway, in Kettering where they have set up a warning system. Presumably using a laser system. There is a sign further sling thst lights up warning of the bridge height. Something like that would work, but you would need to Police it which might be e pensive | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 18:58 - Jan 23 with 5570 views | BlueBadger |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:41 - Jan 23 by factual_blue |
You spelt 'top trolling blueas' wrongly. |
Perhaps 'amy' is a pet name for Anthea... |  |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 19:02 - Jan 23 with 5569 views | amy73 |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 17:38 - Jan 23 by SenatorBlue |
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ironically those green fields have been dug up to build an access road for wind turbines coincidentally exactly on the optimal route required for a northern bypass (3/4 of the way I believe). |
Yes, but they will all be put back how they were. The land owners are being highly compensated for the disruption. It would be awful if there was a road there just because the Orwell bridge got closed occasionally. The lines prevent any further building on that route in any case, which is why, in the most part residents are happy to have them.
Let’s not use a sledge hammer to crack a nut. The solution is one of the following:
A. Make the bridge more windproof.
B. Come up with a better closing strategy, ie just close to high-sided vehicles. This is done all the time with other bridges like the Humber.
C. Build a tunnel
D. Or how about just put up with it occasionally?
I suspect all of these solutions are cheaper than a totally unnecessary Northern bypass. | | | |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 19:15 - Jan 23 with 5550 views | amy73 |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:32 - Jan 23 by FinidiCentenary |
Top trolling again Amy. Much better than some of your past efforts.
Last week it took me nearly 3 hours to get to work for what is usually a 15 minute journey. I couldn't not go to work. There was no other route that was quicker. I don't drive a high sided lorry.
Like the majority of people having to get to work, the usual route is blocked for hours and the alternate routes are therefore suffocated with the diverted traffic.
What behaviour would you like to modify exactly? Maybe Eddie Stobart can give their drivers bikes to transport 20 tonnes of goods to Birmingham?
Or would you prefer it if we just did away with trade altogether? |
Bit of a selfish attitude, if you don’t mind me saying. Being stuck in a traffic jam is very frustrating, I know, and I’m sure most people who drive regularly get stuck in a jam. I know I do. But unfortunately if you have a long commute to work it’s an occupational hazard. It’s a trade-off. The further away you live from where you work the more likely it is to happen.
The options are to move home or job if it bothers you that much. Alternatively take the day off or take extra time to get from A to B. You can’t demand a bypass just because it would be more convenient for you, that’s unreasonable. | | | |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 19:31 - Jan 23 with 5535 views | stonojnr |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:32 - Jan 23 by FinidiCentenary |
Top trolling again Amy. Much better than some of your past efforts.
Last week it took me nearly 3 hours to get to work for what is usually a 15 minute journey. I couldn't not go to work. There was no other route that was quicker. I don't drive a high sided lorry.
Like the majority of people having to get to work, the usual route is blocked for hours and the alternate routes are therefore suffocated with the diverted traffic.
What behaviour would you like to modify exactly? Maybe Eddie Stobart can give their drivers bikes to transport 20 tonnes of goods to Birmingham?
Or would you prefer it if we just did away with trade altogether? |
but its a valid point and is proven time and time again, you build a road it fills with traffic, then you are back in the same position when you started, where does it end, when every inch of land is a road ?
you have to modify the behaviour that relies on needing a car to drive 15mins to work, by promoting and providing better alternatives, campaign for better buses, cheaper buses, walking routes, cycling routes,even car share. every single occupancy car journey is wasting 4 times the amount of space on the road than it needs to.
Chris Boardman was in parliament today presenting a report on traffic congestion and ways to solve it, theyve identified in Greater Manchester 30 percent of all car journeys are less than 1km, 1km !!
if you could turn round and say this simple change, delivers 30percent less cars on the road,by encouraging people out of their cars to journey 1km by some alternate means, why is that a not a no brainer to do.
will building a northern bypass deliver 30 percent less cars. I very much doubt it | | | |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 20:12 - Jan 23 with 5520 views | hype313 |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 19:02 - Jan 23 by amy73 |
Yes, but they will all be put back how they were. The land owners are being highly compensated for the disruption. It would be awful if there was a road there just because the Orwell bridge got closed occasionally. The lines prevent any further building on that route in any case, which is why, in the most part residents are happy to have them.
Let’s not use a sledge hammer to crack a nut. The solution is one of the following:
A. Make the bridge more windproof.
B. Come up with a better closing strategy, ie just close to high-sided vehicles. This is done all the time with other bridges like the Humber.
C. Build a tunnel
D. Or how about just put up with it occasionally?
I suspect all of these solutions are cheaper than a totally unnecessary Northern bypass. |
Sweetheart, they are not planning on building a northern bypass to alieviate the Orwell bridge a couple of times a year.
Would have thought that was blindingly obvious. |  |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 20:28 - Jan 23 with 5512 views | mo_itfc |
According the the met office, it's gusts of <50mph... is that really so high the bridge needs to be closed?? | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 20:47 - Jan 23 with 5486 views | bournemouthblue |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:21 - Jan 23 by FinidiCentenary |
You are correct in that they can't help the weather.
What they can help is
a) Not closing it to all traffic when there are high winds, just like how it used to run for years and years prior to the last 12 months or so, with little or no incidents as a result
b) If it really is dangerous for high sided vehicles then close the bridge to these vehicles and allow all other traffic to use the bridge normally at a reduced speed if absolutely necessary
c) Better plan major roadworks in areas likely to see diverted traffic from the bridge to avoid the months where the wind is most likely to be highest and the bridge most likely to be shut
d) Proper campaigning by politicians for funds to build a Northern Bypass instead of going after pointless vanity projects like Gummers wet dock nonsense
e) Actual communication between the councils and parties responsible for roads and maintenance as it strikes me none of them talk to each other or the power companies as quite often diversion routes from one set of maintenance is also undergoing maintenance when it's non emergency work, been planned for months and completely clashes
f) When they do close the bridge, perhaps not do what they did last week. Tell everyone all day the bridge would be closed the following day, then announce it would definitely be open and then confirm at 7am they were closing it after all, leaving people without the option to leave early or plan another route until it was too late |
Almost like we should have a Unitary Authority in charge of Ipswich and Surrounding areas which actually has the local economy at heart
Too many rural authority's have an influence on Ipswich and thus there is no joined up thinking
Dan Poulter has waded in trying to say we should build a tunnel under the Orwell, good luck with that one mate [Post edited 23 Jan 2018 20:53]
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 04:34 - Jan 24 with 5380 views | Benters2 |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 20:28 - Jan 23 by mo_itfc |
According the the met office, it's gusts of <50mph... is that really so high the bridge needs to be closed?? |
Yes it is,its windy as a windy thing already. | | | |
| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 08:27 - Jan 24 with 5311 views | GeoffSentence |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 04:34 - Jan 24 by Benters2 |
Yes it is,its windy as a windy thing already. |
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| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 08:38 - Jan 24 with 5305 views | Benters2 |
| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 08:27 - Jan 24 by GeoffSentence |
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Its worse here than in Iperswitch | | | |
| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 08:40 - Jan 24 with 5301 views | GeoffSentence |
| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 08:38 - Jan 24 by Benters2 |
Its worse here than in Iperswitch |
I guess the wind just howls across those wide open spaces. | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 09:16 - Jan 24 with 5275 views | witchdoctor |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 16:42 - Jan 23 by ITFC_Forever |
Indeed, some drivers / firms would simply pay the fine for the sake of delivering on time.
They would be better issuing points to the driver than fining them. |
do both...points and fines... also sanction the company who the driver works for.. |  | | |
| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 09:18 - Jan 24 with 5271 views | ITFC_Forever |
| Current estimate is closed at 10am not before on 08:27 - Jan 24 by GeoffSentence |
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Bridge was open at 8am when I came in to work... but the Highways vans were there and poised ready to spring in to action to close the road when they get the nod. | |
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| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 09:47 - Jan 24 with 5256 views | allezlesbleus |
| Orwell Bridge likely to be closed tomorrow! (Wednesday 24 January) on 19:15 - Jan 23 by amy73 |
Bit of a selfish attitude, if you don’t mind me saying. Being stuck in a traffic jam is very frustrating, I know, and I’m sure most people who drive regularly get stuck in a jam. I know I do. But unfortunately if you have a long commute to work it’s an occupational hazard. It’s a trade-off. The further away you live from where you work the more likely it is to happen.
The options are to move home or job if it bothers you that much. Alternatively take the day off or take extra time to get from A to B. You can’t demand a bypass just because it would be more convenient for you, that’s unreasonable. |
What about all the businesses in and around Ipswich, whose trade suffers whenever the bridge is closed? Do they get a rebate on the rates that they pay.......no chance.
Before you say that businesses can afford it, there are a number of small businesses that really struggle if customers and staff cannot make it into the town centre without a massive delay. I know of someone who's journey normally takes between 15 to 20 mins to drive into town and it took them 3 hours when the bridge was closed at the start of January. |  | | |
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