Efforts to repair a faulty bridge in Great Yarmouth will result in road closures next week - with motorists warned the bridge could remain closed for up to 48 hours.

Haven Bridge experienced an electrical problem last Thursday that left motorists gridlocked and pedestrians stranded either side of the river.

The 90-year-old bridge has faltered on several occasions in recent weeks and has been unable to lift for boats since its most recent malfunction.

Now provisional overnight road closures have been planned to allow Peel Ports engineers to fix the problem.

The closures have been provisionally planned to commence on Monday and will take effect after the afternoon rush hour, before reopening in time for the morning rush hour - although Norfolk County Council said they could not give the exact timings of the road closures.

The council has also warned motorists to be prepared for closures to be extended if the bridge fails to close during repairs.

A spokesman said: “During any road closures next week there will be a signed diversion route and a shuttle bus service for pedestrians.

“All efforts will be made to lift and close the bridge successfully in time for the morning rush hour, however, in a worst case scenario we understand it could take up to 48 hours to manually close the bridge and reopen the road.

“We will make absolutely every effort to avoid this but if required the road closure and diversion arrangements would be extended.”

The bridge’s current inability to lift is preventing boats from passing through the harbour, including the TS Lord Nelson, which has been stranded in Breydon Water since it was blocked on Sunday.

A county council spokesman said: “We know that larger vessels including the TS Lord Nelson are being delayed due to the current issues with the bridge. When the engineers are on site next week we intend to lift the bridge enough to allow the TS Lord Nelson, and possibly other smaller vessels, an opportunity to pass through.

“We will continue to be in constant contact with the owner of the TS Lord Nelson to keep them up to date with the latest developments.”