Cabinet approves up to £1.35 million funding towards business case for Earl Stonham junction scheme

Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet has approved spending up to £1.35 million to develop a business case for improving the A140 at Earl Stonham.

The proposed scheme focuses on improving the junction with the A1120 - a staggered crossroads notorious for congestion, road safety concerns and limited provision for walking, cycling and public transport.

The Cabinet gave approval to continue at its meeting on Tuesday June 16, the first of the new administration since being elected last month.

Councillor Christopher Hudson, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport and Highways, said: “This decision is very good news for Suffolk.

“The A140 is a key route in this county and by investing in it we improve connectivity for traffic and also support the local community with better provision for local accessibility.”

The decision will enable the eventual Full Business Case to be developed and submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) for the scheme.

The A140 is one of Suffolk’s most important transport corridors, forming the primary link between the A14, Norwich and north Norfolk.

It is part of the national Major Road Network (MRN) managed by Local Highway Authorities.

The Department for Transport (DfT) recognises the higher cost and strategic importance of schemes on this network by making additional funding available for authorities to bid for.

The current estimated total cost of the project is £6.46 million, with up to 85% funded by the DfT.

The remaining 15% local contribution (£969,615) would be met through the Local Transport Grant.

The outline scheme would move the A1120 traffic through a new link road.

This would leave a short section of redundant road that would be enhanced to make it more suitable for buses, walking and cycling.

The scheme will also include enhanced crossing points on the A140 and A1120.

Construction of the proposed bypass and new junction layout will require the acquisition of additional land and the next stage of work will include assessing how much is needed.

While the Council intends to work constructively with landowners to reach agreement, the Cabinet has approved the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers if required to ensure the scheme can proceed.

The Council began developing its scheme in 2021, alongside the larger A12 MRN project.

A Strategic Outline Business Case was first submitted by the council to the DfT in February 2025.

In February this year the DfT confirmed the scheme could progress to the Outline Business Case stage.