Rail and A12 prioritised over Northern Bypass in transport bid

Why it matters: The submission comes as campaigners warn that prioritising rail improvements over road infrastructure could cost Suffolk transport companies up to £200 million annually in lost business.

The big picture: Transport East is one of seven Sub-National Transport Bodies in England. The partnership brings together local transport and planning authorities with business leaders, Network Rail and National Highways across Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. Its role is to develop transport strategy and provide a unified regional voice in national planning.

What's being proposed: Transport East are seeking funding for:

• Rail capacity improvements at Ely and Haughley to support freight routes and increase passenger services

• A12 upgrades east of Ipswich to support housing and jobs growth

• More frequent trains between Ipswich and Cambridge/Peterborough

What's not being proposed: They are not seeking funding for an Ipswich Northern Bypass, despite Ipswich MP and Mission Champion for the East of England Jack Abbott leading calls for it to be prioritised by Westminster and recently labelling the cost of failing to act "far too high".

For context: The Ely/Haughley improvements – while positive – would shift an expected 1,000 truck movements per day to rail. Meanwhile, the Orwell Bridge handles around 70,000 daily vehicle movements and is operating at 85% capacity, with planned housing expected to add another 15% traffic.

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What they're saying: Mark Ling, a local logistics expert and long-time bypass campaigner, warns: "Suffolk's leaders are pursuing a policy that will take away 1,000 transport jobs per day mainly from Suffolk transport companies and move the work OUT of Suffolk."

Meanwhile, Will Quince, Chair Executive of Transport East, said: "Transport in the East is vital to enable residents and businesses to succeed, and to unlock economic growth in region and the nation."

Transport East said they are "engaging with National Highways who manage the bridge, Suffolk County Council, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and MPs – including Jack Abbott – to understand the challenges and explore both short and long-term solutions."

What's next: The Chancellor is expected to announce funding decisions in late spring of 2025, while a campaign called "Enabling the East: Priority Transport Investment" will continue promoting the outlined schemes.

Jack Abbott was approached but was unavailable for comment.