Suffolk transport plan launched amid urgent calls for Orwell Bridge action

The big picture: The council's 15-year vision for transport in Suffolk comes as the Chamber of Commerce highlights critical concerns about closures on the A14 and the economic risk posed by the Orwell Bridge.

The plan: The Local Transport Plan is set by Suffolk County Council to address long-term challenges and opportunities in the county's transport system. It covers the period 2025-2040 and focuses on four key themes:

1. Decarbonisation of transport

2. Strengthening the local economy

3. Promoting health, wellbeing and social inclusion

4. Creating better-connected places with diverse transport options

It includes 15 Area Transport Plans for specific locations across Suffolk, including Ipswich.

Councillor Chris Chambers, cabinet member for transport strategy, said: "The plan presents the county council's vision for transport in Suffolk, highlighting the challenges and opportunities we have and the measures available to respond to them – this is why it's important we consider the views of all before we formally adopt our fourth document and its associated plans."

Orwell Bridge concerns take centre stage

During a Suffolk Chamber of Commerce meeting with local business leaders and MPs, Stephen Britt, chair of the Suffolk Chamber's Transport & Infrastructure Group, said: "What became readily apparent was that the different agencies tasked with addressing solutions to dealing with closures over both the short and middle terms aren't really taking the wider view – to the detriment of businesses and residents caught up in the never-ending series of issues on this vital strategic road network."

The Chamber is calling for:

• MPs to challenge why National Highways doesn't deploy Traffic Officers during major A14 incidents.

• Better information exchange between agencies regarding bridge maintenance.

• Investigations into using a 'suicide net' along the bridge.

• Relaunching the Ipswich Transport Taskforce with a focus on the wider road system.

Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber's head of public affairs, stated: "We believe that the current policy vacuum in terms of long-term solutions is so damaging that every viable solution should be actively considered as part of a coherent A14/Orwell Bridge strategy."

In response to questions from Ipswich.co.uk on the plan's lack of emphasis on the Orwell Bridge, the council pointed to the introduction of variable speed limits, which it said had "reduced closures in recent years."

It added that it would "continue to push National Highways to do more of these improvements" but that the plan "sets out the long-term challenges and responses and doesn’t set out individual projects or responses to individual geographic issues."

A campaigner's view

In 2015, Mark Ling co-founded Orwell Ahead, a campaign to champion the Orwell economic area, which consists of Ipswich, Felixstowe, and Martlesham. The campaign aimed to ensure that Ipswich had permanent and proportionate economic and political representation in local government, the New Anglia LEP, and local media.

He withdrew from campaigning after "Suffolk County Council’s sham consultation blocked the Northern Bypass, the Orwell Crossings were squandered, and our own MP failed to support city status."

We share his views below:

Opinion

The Orwell Bridge has become a liability. There is no backup plan if it fails.

Essex is working towards £1.3bn for the A12 from Chelmsford to Colchester, and Norfolk has secured £1bn+ for the A11, A47 and a full Norwich orbital.

Meanwhile, the Orwell Bridge is at around 85% capacity, with some 70,000 vehicle moves per day and growing.

Suffolk County Council ignored its own 2016 WSP consultation calling for an Ipswich northern bypass and 2018 WSP study for Orwell Crossings. Yet, it has backed a £64m investment for the A12 for Martlesham and Woodbridge.

What's next: Suffolk residents can share their views on the transport plan until 25 November at www.suffolk.gov.uk/LTP. The plan will be presented to the county council's Cabinet in 2025.

Meanwhile, a new business-led "A14 Improvement Group" will research the economic impact of ongoing disruptions. The group is expected to release its findings in the New Year.

The bottom line: While Suffolk County Council seeks input on its wide-ranging transport vision for the next 15 years, business leaders are demanding immediate, coordinated action to address persistent Orwell Bridge and A14 disruptions. This highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to support the local economy.