A14 Orwell Bridge and Ipswich transport resilience

This project will explore the long-term options for improving the resilience of the Orwell Bridge and the wider Ipswich transport network.

As part of Suffolk County Council's ongoing commitment to maintaining an efficient and resilient transport network, Cabinet has approved the development of a Pre-Strategic Outline Business Case to explore long-term options for improving the resilience of the A14 Orwell Bridge and the wider Ipswich transport network. This work is supported by the A14 Orwell Bridge and Ipswich transport resilience technical report, which recommends the preparation of a pre-strategic outline business case to assess potential solutions.

The transport network is significantly affected when the Orwell Bridge is closed due to adverse weather conditions, incidents, or planned maintenance. The project will examine a range of possible interventions so that evidence-based recommendations can be presented to Cabinet.

The initial scope of the project includes consideration of improvements to:

  • The Local Highway Network (LHN), maintained by Suffolk County Council
  • The Major Road Network (MRN), where improvements would typically require Government funding and partnership working
  • The Strategic Road Network (SRN), managed by National Highways

The project will also consider a range of highway, rail, demand management, and traffic management measures as part of a wider assessment of options.

Documents and updates relating to the progression of this project will be published on this page.

Documents