<a href="http://www.suffolkgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/orwell-bridge-tunnel.jpg"><img src="http://www.suffolkgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/orwell-bridge-tunnel.jpg" alt="Orwell Tunnel" width="630" height="472" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8177" /></a>

A tunnel that runs through the concrete foundations of the Orwell Bridge is to be opened to cars when the crossing is closed.

The move will end the traffic chaos in Ipswich whenever the Orwell Bridge is closed during high winds or after an accident.

Engineers (<em>pictured above</em>) are now working on bringing the access tunnel, originally used during construction in 1982, up to standard, and adding a slip road for access.



Named the Orwell Tunnel, it will only be available to cars and motorbikes because it is not wide enough for lorries.

Heavy goods vehicles will instead be diverted through Ipswich as normal when the bridge is closed.

But the ability of cars to use the tunnel will ensure Ipswich does not get gridlocked, adding hours onto even the simplest journey.

Engineer Lorraine Fisher, 34 of construction specialists Calirrion said: "The tunnel through the bridge's foundations was a standard feature to allow construction workers access to all points of the foundations when the bridge was being built.

"On a recent inspection, it was decided the tunnel could be used by cars with only a few modications, plus of course access from the A14.

"We are working on completing the project by the summer."

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Councillors and business leaders are thrilled with the news, suggesting it will boost the local economy.

"Nobody will be stuck in Ipswich traffic jams when the bridge closes," explained an insider Suffolk County Council. "People will love whizzing through the tunnel instead.

"It will be subject to a 30mph speed limit, but even so it will be quicker than being gridlocked in town."

He suggested the council might even try to find a sponsor for the tunnel to help pay for the costs, with French fragrance and fashion giant Chanel already expressing an interest.

"They see the merit in having the Chanel Tunnel," an executive close to the deal said.

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