Therese Coffey on 40mph limit on Orwell Bridge near Ipswich

On the morning of May 9, emergency services were called to the A14 after a crash between a lorry and a car on the bridge, outside Ipswich.

During the incident, the lorry crossed the central reservation from westbound to eastbound.

Lane closures were in put place throughout the day and all lanes were not fully clear until the following morning.

Ever since the crash, National Highways has implemented a 40mph speed limit across the Orwell Bridge – down from the usual 60mph.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for National Highways said: "The central barrier is scheduled for repair on June 15, and this is expected to take around seven days.

"Due to the complexity of the repair, specialist parts were needed which has meant the temporary speed restriction has remained in place for a number of weeks.

"This has been for the safety of those using the bridge and we appreciate road users patience while this issue is resolved.”

Therese Coffey MP has called for a temporary speed limit on the Orwell Bridge to be lifted (Image: PA)

However, on Tuesday, Dr Coffey called for the temporary speed limit to be lifted as soon as possible.

She said: "Today I have written to National Highways asking them why the temporary speed limit has been in place for over a month now and is not expected to be lifted until June 21 at the earliest”.

"The temporary speed limit has been a cause of congestion for many of my constituents and has increased travel time unnecessarily throughout the region.”

On the day of the crash, there were severe delays throughout Ipswich as drivers were directed off of the major Suffolk road, with standstill traffic in Wherstead Road, Felixstowe Road and London Road.