As the gateway to The Waterfront, the works will act as a springboard for future wider public realm and development works at adjoining St Peter’s Dock, allowing the space to reimagined as part of wider development plans for the area.
The works are due to start on Monday September 22 and consist of:
- Relocating the pedestrian crossing on College Street so that it is in line with the footpath connecting St Peter’s Street and Bridge Street
- Relocating the pedestrian crossing on Bridge Street so that it is in line with the entrance to St Peter’s Dock
- Permanently pedestrianising the temporarily blocked off section of road which runs adjacent to the Bridge Street roundabout
- Associated works, including rerouting electrical services, carriageway resurfacing and reinstatement of road markings
They are scheduled to run until Friday November 28.
A range of traffic management methods will be in use at different times along College Street and Bridge Street during the works.
This includes lane closures during the day and full road closures at night.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Ipswich and Operational Highways, said: “The Waterfront is a hugely popular location in Ipswich and safe pedestrian access to it is paramount.
“With the existing crossings it has become apparent that they need to be re-aligned on the road to ensure people use them fully and aren’t tempted to just cross the carriageway.
“Inevitably these works may result in some disruption to motorists, for which we apologise in advance, but the end result will be a safer road environment for all.”
Full road closures will take place on Tuesday September 30 and Wednesday October 1 between 7pm and 5am, Thursday November 20 between 7pm and 5am, and Wednesday November 26, between 7pm and 5am.
During these times, the road will be closed between:
- College Street: Full extent
- Key Street: From College Street to Slade Street
- Foundation Street: From Star Lane to College Street
- Foundry Lane: Full extent
- From Star Lane to Key Street
To allow residents access while the closure is in-place, there will be a suspension of the one-way system on College Street and Key Street, allowing road users to travel from both ends.
This will be controlled by operatives at each end of the closure, who will assist road users with access when required.
Full details of the works can be found on the One.Network website.
Active Travel England is responsible for raising standards of cycling and walking infrastructure and managing the national active travel budget, awarding funding for projects that improve both health and air quality.
In February it awarded Suffolk County Council a further £0.9 million from Round 5 of the Active Travel Fund, and £2.8 million from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund in its latest round of funding.
This is to be used on projects such as better footpaths and crossing points, maintaining and improving walking and cycling infrastructure, and traffic calming measures.
The county council is now considering suitable local schemes, which will be announced in the coming months.
