Suffolk County Council plans to invest nearly £4 million to improve and protect the public rights of way network.
The network, which provides more than 3,500 miles of off‑road access for walking, cycling and horse riding, is supported by 3,770 structures including bridges, boardwalks, revetments and signposts.
A report to be considered by Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday March 24 said the £3.9 million investment will enable replacement or refurbishment of 735 priority structures, with a particular focus on bridges and boardwalks in central and coastal areas.
It follows a comprehensive condition survey where the council has identified a programme of improvements to replace or refurbish ageing structures.
The report says that over the next five years, 1,800 structures will need to be replaced or undergo major refurbishment.
Of these, 735 structures have been prioritised for 2026/27 and 2027/28 due to their known condition.
The structures are spread across the county, with the largest impact in the central and coastal area of Suffolk.
These are predominantly bridges but there are also a number of boardwalks on key coastal and estuary routes.
The cost of this two-year programme is £3.9 million in total - £2.05 million in 2026/27 and £1.85 million in 27/28.
The current budget for infrastructure maintenance is £225,000 a year, but since this figure was set in 2020/21 costs have risen by more than 50% for materials and contractors’ installation fees, as well as changes in specifications.
The proposed programme builds on recent successful projects delivered through additional capital funding, including major works at the Bailey Bridge between Walberswick and Southwold, Fen Bridge at East Bergholt and Hempyard Bridge in Ixworth.
The council’s investment plan comes at a time of significantly increased public use of the network.
Since the COVID‑19 pandemic, customer reports have risen by more than 50%, with 3,411 reports received in 2025 alone.
By investing now, the Council aims to reduce the risk of route closures, avoid rising revenue costs and ensure the network continues to provide high‑quality access for residents and visitors.
Temporary closures—required when structures become unsafe—cost around £1,200 each time and place pressure on the revenue budget, which also funds the county’s annual grass‑cutting programme.
The planned capital investment will help prevent these costs and protect essential maintenance services.
It will also help to meet the council’s objectives for health and wellbeing, strengthening the local economy and providing value for taxpayers’ money.
The full report can be read on the Suffolk County Council website.
