A lane closure that was put in place on the Orwell Bridge after safety concerns is likely to remain in place for "the next couple of weeks".

National Highways closed one lane of the westbound carriageway of the Orwell Bridge on Friday after a "potential defect" was found during a routine inspection. 

A spokeswoman for National Highways said the lane closure was put in place  for safety reasons and to reduce the risk of further damage, which could potentially lead to a full closure of the carriageway.

A lane has been closed on the Orwell Bridge amid safety concernsA lane has been closed on the Orwell Bridge amid safety concerns (Image: A14 Traffic Cameras)

The closure has caused severe delays to drivers, especially around rush hours. It has also had a knock-on effect to those driving around Ipswich. 

The spokeswoman added: "We are working hard to both rectify the defect and subsequently re-open the closed lane as soon as possible.  

"The safety of those who work and travel on our road network is our top priority. This is a complex operation; planning is already underway and preparatory works are programmed to commence this week.

"These access works are needed to enable the next stage of replacing the necessary components to the bridge structure.

"As you will understand, this is a specialist procedure involving numerous factors, but we hope that this will be resolved within the next couple of weeks."

Ipswich Buses have said that a number of their services have been affected by the westbound lane closure that has been in place since Friday evening. 

A spokesman for the company said: "Due to the closure of one westbound lane on the Orwell Bridge, this is causing severe delays particularly on routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

"We are doing our best to get to you and get you to your destination."