Ipswich MP calls for Ipswich transport task force and Northern Bypass revival amid fresh Orwell bridge chaos

The big picture: A revived taskforce could bring together stakeholders, consult the public, and make recommendations on strategic transport priorities, including the potential for a bypass north of Ipswich.

Key proposals: Abbott wrote to Cllr. Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, on Thursday 12th September, proposing immediate actions and long-term solutions, including:

• Review and postpone all non-emergency roadworks in Ipswich

• Re-constitute the Ipswich Transportation Taskforce, dormant since 2023

What they're saying: Abbott issued the following statement:

“I have been contacted by numerous constituents and local businesses who have been affected by the closure of one lane of the Orwell Bridge, which is harming our local economy and causing chaos in our town.

“While the bridge is partially closed, I have asked Suffolk County Council to cancel all non-essential roadworks in the town centre to ease the flow of traffic and prevent further jams.

“Now is also the right time for the Ipswich Transportation Taskforce to be reinstated. A reinvigorated taskforce would have the ability to bring together stakeholders, consult the public and make recommendations to Suffolk County Council and other decision-making bodies about strategic transport priorities in the area, including, but not limited to, the potential of a bypass north of the town.

“I look forward to working with Suffolk County Council and local stakeholders to address these ongoing problems, which cannot keep grinding our town to a halt.”

What's next: We've reached out to Suffolk County Council for comment.

Meanwhile, National Highways have confirmed that the westbound carriageway of the Orwell Bridge will face full overnight closures next week as repair works begin.