25th July – Jack Abbott Demands Action from Suffolk County Council on Northern Bypass

The traffic chaos caused by recent works on the Orwell Bridge has been a nightmare for residents and businesses across Ipswich and the wider region. Gridlock on the A14 and A12 brought our town to a standstill.

This cannot keep happening. That is why I am urging Suffolk County Council to deliver on their promise and immediately reopen plans for the Northern Bypass.

Calls for the Bypass have only grown louder. Thousands of local residents have backed my petition, major businesses have demanded action, and the message from our community could not be clearer — we need a long term solution, not more sticking plasters.

The Council has been dragged kicking and screaming to the table. For years they ruled out the project entirely. But after intense pressure from me, from Labour councillors, and from the public, they were forced to change course and support a motion that included the Northern Bypass.

That motion was a start, but it is not enough. We need proper plans and a firm commitment to get this moving now.

I want to thank National Highways for completing the bridge repairs ahead of schedule — but without a Northern Bypass, this will only be a temporary break from chaos.

Our Labour Government has already delivered the green light for A12 upgrades after years of false promises under the Conservatives. But we know that will not solve everything.

I will keep holding Suffolk County Council to account. I will keep working to secure the investment we need. And I will not stop until the Northern Bypass is finally delivered for Ipswich and Suffolk.