This study, completed in July 2007 by Atkins
Transportation focused on the transport-related problems associated
with the A14 corridor in the Ipswich area. Its objectives
were to:
- Allow the Newmarket to Felixstowe Corridor to continue to
function effectively and efficiently as a (inter)national
route;
- Support the expansion of the ports at Felixstowe and
Harwich;
- Enhance access to the port at Ipswich;
- Support the objectives of the Regional Economic strategy and
the emerging East of England Plan (EEP);
- Support likely future development in the relevant Local
Development Frameworks;
- Support the role of Ipswich as a ‘Key Centre of Development and
Change’ and as a ‘Regional Transport Node’ in the emerging
EEP;
- Develop more sustainable forms of transport.
A number of potential measures were identified from existing
studies and documents and interviews with relevant
stakeholders. Separate sessions were held for County and
District Councillors and representatives from the Parish Councils
within the study area. These sessions enabled further
potential measures to be identified and facilitated discussion
about the proposed method of evaluating all the possible
measures.
The measures emerging from the study as having the greatest
potential for being taken forward in the short term (pre-2011)
are:
- New station at Snoasis;
- Smarter Choice Plan; business park management (travel
planning);
- Bus & rail station improvements; and
- General traffic management schemes.
Those measures having the greatest potential for being taken
forward in the medium term (to 2021) are:
- Road pricing in Ipswich;
- Wet Dock Crossing;
- Demand management measures;
- Variable speed limits on the A14;
- Cambridge to Ipswich rail capacity, speed and rolling stock
improvements;
- East Bank Link Road;
- Copdock Interchange improvements;
- Additional Park & Ride capacity; and
- A14 access control.
It also emerged from the study that in the long term (to 2031)
A14 junction closures may be necessary, a new station at Martlesham
could be provided and the potential for an Ipswich northern bypass
of local or strategic nature could be beneficial.
Work following on from the study is likely to include assessment
of improvements to the available models that may enable more
rigorous appraisals of the short listed measures. In this way, the
relevant highway authorities will be better placed to respond to
funding opportunities as they arise.
The study was jointly commissioned by:
- Suffolk County Council
- Babergh D.C.
- East of England Development Agency
- East of England Regional Assembly
- GO-East
- Highways Agency
- Ipswich Borough Council
- Mid Suffolk D.C.
- Suffolk Coastal D.C.