Community leaders in and around Ipswich have come together for a second meeting, held after Orwell Bridge works finished early.
The MP for South Suffolk, James Cartlidge was joined by Paul West of Suffolk County Council and fellow MP Jack Abbott in discussing how communication about closures can be improved.
The multi-agency team first met in November, chaired by Mr Cartlidge, when it was announced that the closures to the Orwell Bridge would be brought forward as part of the repair scheme for the bridge's joints.
Those works began in June, causing traffic carnage throughout Ipswich and the wider county and leading to calls to revive the Northern Bypass project.
A motion calling for solutions to the problem, including the Northern Bypass, was backed by Suffolk County Council.
The multi-agency meeting was the first to be held after the Orwell Bridge works were completed, focusing on communication and prevention of allowing pedestrians onto the bridge.
Mr Cartlidge said: “The Orwell Bridge is a key transport link and is crucial not just to Suffolk but to the UK economy more widely.
"I know how disruptive bridge closures can be for motorists, local businesses, and nearby villages, which is exactly why I have convened a stakeholder group including local MPs, National Highways, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk police and others to look at various measures to reduce closures and lessen their impact.
"Our most recent meeting was held on July 25 to discuss the successful replacement of the expansion joints, with work finishing 15 days earlier than planned by National Highways - albeit with inevitable and significant disruption whilst the works were taking place.
"We also focused on improving communication when the bridge is closed, and the issue of disruption arising from pedestrian incidents.
"At our first meeting last November we discussed what steps could realistically be taken around pedestrian access to the bridge, given the huge disruption from such incidents, which can tragically include suicide attempts.
"At Friday’s meeting, Suffolk County Council updated us on the options available. Following the meeting, and the latest data showing the significant number of pedestrian incidents, my view is that we have to now seriously consider properly restricting pedestrian access to the Bridge.”
Also in attendance were staff on behalf of MPs Patrick Spencer and Jenny-Riddell Carpenter, National Highways, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk police, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Associated British Ports, Transport East and Suffolk Business Board.
Published by the Ipswich Star.
