A Felixstowe rail bridge is set to reopen today after being closed for more than a week due to a car crashing into the brickwork.

Rail infrastructure operator Network Rail is set to install water-filled barriers today (Monday) to prevent any further damage to the Mill Lane bridge, which will allow the road to reopen to traffic 'in the interim'.

However, the footpaths along the bridge will remain closed until permanent repairs can be carried out.

READ MORE: Felixstowe rail bridge damaged in crash to remain closed

Bricks were loosened during the single vehicle crash at 10.30pm on October 26 and a Network Rail team decided to close the bridge to prevent any further damage.

However, freight trains heading to the Port of Felixstowe were able to continue operating on the track underneath the bridge because the workers were able to remove bricks at risk of falling onto the line below.

With the barriers now in place, Network Rail should be able to plan and undertake permanent repairs to the brickwork.

READ MORE: Kesgrave man charged after crash in Mill Lane, Felixstowe

Last week, a Network Rail spokesperson told the EADT: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience being caused by the closure of the Mill Lane bridge to road traffic while we plan and carry out repairs to the brick parapet, which was damaged by a vehicle strike on October 26.

"A temporary barrier will be put in place as soon as possible to protect the damaged parapet which will allow the road to reopen while we plan a more permanent solution to repair the brickwork.”

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

James Chatfield, of Curtis Way in Kesgrave, has been charged with driving without due care and attention and failure to provide a specimen of breath in connection with a crash at the bridge. 

The 36-year-old has been bailed to appear before Suffolk Magistrates' Court on December 8.

READ MORE: Suffolk news