Three Ipswich roads set for 'sustainable travel improvements'

Why it matters: According to Suffolk County Council, these improvements will make it easier for residents to travel more sustainably around eastern Ipswich, with construction expected to begin later this year.

The details: The council is implementing enhancements on three key routes:

• Nacton Road – Wider pavement between the town centre and eastern suburbs and Ransome's industrial estate, new crossings and public realm improvements.

• Woodbridge Road – Wider pavements between Ipswich and Kesgrave, improved crossings to fill a missing link between Kesgrave and Heath Road.

• Ipswich Hospital to Waterfront – Safety enhancements at busy and difficult-to-navigate junctions along the route.

By the numbers: The three projects are part of a wider investment across Suffolk, with the county receiving more than £10 million from Active Travel England to date. Recent awards include:

• £0.9 million from Round 5 of the Active Travel Fund

• £2.8 million from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund

What they're saying: "The views of the public are key in helping us to shape and design the urban environment for the benefit of the people living and working within it and I thank everyone who contributed," said Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste.

"These improvements for eastern Ipswich are the latest chapter in the story of how Suffolk residents continue to benefit from more than £10 million of funding from Active Travel England to date."

What's next: The detailed designs are being finalised based on public feedback from last summer's consultation. The county council is now considering additional suitable local schemes, which will be announced in the coming months.

The bottom line: These sustainable travel improvements aim to create safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists by providing wider pavements, improved crossings and enhanced junctions across Ipswich, as part of Suffolk County Council's commitment to making travel around the county more sustainable.