Over 2,200 people shape Active Travel Woodbridge project as consultation report published

Following extensive engagement with residents between February and April 2024, which saw over 3,500 pieces of written feedback regarding these proposals, Suffolk County Council has listened to the community and finalised the plans for four key areas in Woodbridge.

This feedback has enabled the county council to develop these proposals to better reflect the needs of those travelling around Woodbridge, some of these changes include:

• Traffic calming measures instead of modal filters
• Upgraded and additional crossings
• More improvements to footpaths
• Emphasis on traffic survey work to investigate the possibility of more 20mph speed limits

Suffolk County Council secured more than £5 million of Active Travel England funding in 2023 to make Woodbridge’s streets safer, better-connected and more people-friendly. The county council have since engaged with residents and businesses in Woodbridge to understand their travel behaviours and suggestions for possible enhancements to active travel infrastructure in the area.

This feedback, along with analysis of local traffic data, has been used to help develop a set of proposals that cover various locations within the town which will enable people to walk, wheel and cycle and promote cleaner travel options. These include footpath improvements, shared-use paths, modal filters, and 20mph speed limits.

Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council’s deputy cabinet member for transport strategy, said:

“We saw an incredible number of people taking part in this consultation exercise, 2,289 individuals who wanted to get involved in shaping their town for the future. I thank everyone who took the time to read our Active Travel Woodbridge proposals and feedback their thoughts, this wouldn’t have been possible without your input.

“The Active Travel team has analysed each piece of feedback carefully. This thorough review has led to amendments in the proposals that reflect the views and suggestions of residents and businesses. These adjustments ensure that while the core objectives of the project – making walking, wheeling, and cycling trips easier, safer, and more convenient – are achieved, the needs and concerns of our community are properly understood and addressed.

“We look forward to continuing to develop and deliver the improvements with the local community to enable more choice for people travelling in Woodbridge.”

The consultation report is available online, please visit www.thewaytogosuffolk.org.uk. If you require a copy via email or a printed copy, please contact us by emailing ATW@Suffolk.gov.uk or phone 0345 603 1842.