MP Addresses Call for Ipswich Northern Bypass Amid Traffic Concerns
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott urges government action on the Northern Bypass as traffic issues worsen, impacting local communities and economy.
Ipswich, Suffolk, UK, Northern Bypass, Traffic, Infrastructure
Ipswich: Patrick Spencer recently shared his thoughts after Ipswich MP Jack Abbott reached out to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about the Northern Bypass.
Traffic has been a real headache lately, especially on the A14 and A12, leaving drivers stuck in long lines and causing chaos in the town center.
Jack Abbott believes the Northern Bypass could be a game-changer, linking the A12 and A14, but it’s faced many setbacks over the years.
The last serious attempt to get it going fell apart in 2020 after protests made Suffolk County Council back off, saying there was no political backing.
In his letter, Abbott stressed that the government needs to step in and help get this issue out of the local political mess.
Patrick Spencer, who represents the area most affected, totally gets the frustration when the Orwell Bridge closes or accidents happen on the A14.
He pointed out that back in 2019, the Northern Bypass didn’t move forward because it couldn’t secure the necessary funding, and that’s still the case.
With the Port of Felixstowe nearby, he emphasized the importance of smooth transport for goods, and he’s pushing for improvements to the Haughley/Ely junctions to help move freight by rail instead of clogging up the roads.
While there are potential routes for the Bypass, they could disrupt the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
Spencer also mentioned that enhancing the Copdock Interchange could ease some of the traffic woes.
However, any Bypass would likely disturb villages north of Ipswich, like Westerfield and Tuddenham, where residents previously campaigned against the project.
Back in 2019, their efforts led to the Bypass being scrapped, which was expected to cost around £500 million.