Winvic Completes Fast-Track Repairs on Orwell Bridge Ahead of Schedule

Winvic Construction Ltd has announced the successful completion of major maintenance works on the A14 Orwell Bridge in Ipswich, a key freight route linking the East of England with Felixstowe Port.

The £4m project, delivered under the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF), involved replacing ageing expansion joints on the westbound carriageway. Originally planned as a 175-day programme, the works were condensed into just 37 days thanks to a 24/7 operation carried out under contraflow, minimising disruption to the 12,000 HGVs and thousands of other vehicles using the bridge daily.

Collaboration and Innovation

The project brought together Winvic, National Highways, WSP, and Chevron Traffic Management to design and deliver a permanent solution under highly constrained conditions, including hydro-demolition and working at height within a live traffic environment.

Advanced traffic modelling, carried out in collaboration with Suffolk County Council, helped shape the scheme and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles during the works. Ahead of construction, the project team also engaged directly with the public at events such as The Suffolk Show and community drop-in sessions across Ipswich. Real-time updates were shared with road users through variable message signage, journey time data, and handouts.

Smarter Construction

Drawing on lessons from earlier SDF schemes, Winvic adopted new approaches to improve efficiency and safety. The use of floor saws to remove Lamella Rails eliminated the need for hot works and cut manual handling risks, delivering an 80% time saving — equating to two weeks off the original schedule.

Supporting the Community

Beyond the engineering challenges, the project emphasised social value. Local suppliers were engaged to support the regional economy, and Winvic’s project team visited Morland Primary School to deliver safety sessions to more than 120 pupils. Team members also volunteered at St Elizabeth’s Hospice’s pop-up shop in Ipswich, raising funds through the charity’s Hop-To-It Art Trail.

Recognition from Partners

Rob Cook, Managing Director for Civils & Infrastructure at Winvic, praised the collaborative effort:“We’re proud to have delivered these pivotal works ahead of schedule while ensuring public safety and minimising disruption. This project reflects the strong partnership we’ve built with National Highways and the dedication of everyone involved.”

Andy Jobling, Programme Delivery Manager at National Highways, added:“The Orwell Bridge is an iconic structure, and replacing its expansion joints was always going to be a huge challenge. By working together and adopting innovative methods, we were able to deliver the project safely, quickly, and with minimal impact on motorists.”