Better pedestrian crossings and road junctions are on their way to a key route in Ipswich thanks to a package of improvements to be installed by Suffolk County Council.
Work on the programme of schemes between Ipswich Hospital and The Waterfront is scheduled to start next month.
The works are being funded by Active Travel England and will enhance safety, and accessibility and aims to encourage more people to walk, cycle and wheel.
The project includes upgrades to existing infrastructure and improvements at busy junctions.
A public consultation was held in summer 2024 to gather feedback from residents, stakeholders and partners.
That feedback was used to help shape the designs of the improvements and reflect local priorities while continuing to meet the scheme’s core objectives.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said: “Improving the route between Ipswich Hospital and the Waterfront strengthens connections between two key destinations used daily by residents, workers, and visitors.
“Encouraging more people to walk, wheel or cycle for short trips supports better physical and mental health, helps reduce congestion and improves air quality.
“This scheme will also support local businesses, particularly along Foxhall Road, by creating safer, more attractive streets that can increase footfall and local spending.”
Construction is scheduled between April and August 2026 with timelines designed to minimise disruption.
The route follows Back Hamlet, Grove Lane, Foxhall Road, Wellesley Road, Marlborough Road, Cauldwell Hall Road, Freehold Road and Newbury Road.
Works are planned to take place at:
- Cauldwell Hall Road
Following requests for an improved crossing, a parallel crossing – a zebra crossing with a dedicated cycle lane – is to be installed
- St John’s Road
The junction will be tightened to help slow vehicle speeds and improve safety, directly responding to concerns about driver behaviour
- Freehold Road
Westbound cyclists will be able to either use the crossing or enter the route via a new dropped kerb south of Freehold Road
- Grove Lane
A signalised crossing will be installed on the southern side of Finbars Walk, and a new two-way cycle track will be introduced on the west side of the road. Works will be coordinated with planned footway maintenance on Grove Lane and Foxhall Road.
- Foxhall Road
In addition to speed humps and traffic calming measures, a new 20mph speed limit will be introduced from Grove Lane to Foxhall Road. Improvements outside local shops will be delivered using Active Travel funding and Ipswich Borough Council Towns Fund investment.
Suffolk County Council is co-ordinating works with Cadent’s planned gas main replacements to reduce repeated road closures.
During the Grove Lane works, additional road and footway maintenance will also be carried out to maximise efficiency.
