The Orwell Bridge is expected reopen earlier than expected after Storm Ciarán has caused chaos Suffolk. 

National Highways announced on Wednesday that the bridge, on the outskirts of Ipswich on the A14, would be shut for 24 hours from 12am on Thursday due to forecasted high winds. 

However, the authority has revealed the bridge is scheduled to reopen earlier than planned. 

It is expected to reopen in both directions by 12.30pm. 

The closure has caused chaos on roads around Ipswich as people follow diversion routes. 

Craig Sowden, National Highways operations manager for the east region, said: “Safety is our priority and it while it was necessary to close the bridge last night it has always been intention to get it opened as soon as it was safe to do so.

“To facilitate this we had traffic crews stationed at the bridge ready to work and remove the closure and diversions so we could get traffic moving as soon as possible.

“We appreciate the inconvenience the closure causes so any decision to do that is only ever taken when absolutely necessary.

“I would like to thank road users for their understanding during this period and I am pleased that we have only had to close the bridge for half the time we originally expected.”