2nd May- Bypass or Bust

OPINION: Call to halt roadworks during Orwell Bridge repairs

Jack Abbott calls for roadworks to be halted

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the Orwell Bridge faced seven weeks of repairs, which would result in a partial closure of this critical piece of infrastructure for the majority of the summer.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has urged Suffolk County Council to postpone all non-essential roadworks during the upcoming seven-week repair period on the Orwell Bridge to reduce disruption for residents and businesses.

While the repairs are necessary, Jack highlighted the likely chaos caused by simultaneous roadworks on key routes like Nacton Road, Woodbridge Road, and the Hospital to Waterfront route. He called for a common-sense approach, asking the council to delay non-emergency works to ease traffic congestion.

Jack also criticised the Conservative-led council for years of indecision, including halting plans for a Northern Bypass, leaving Ipswich and the wider area to suffer ongoing gridlock.

“This summer’s disruption is the cost of Conservative inaction,” Jack said. “Local people and businesses face daily chaos, risking jobs and investment. It’s time to choose: either invest in the infrastructure our region needs, or keep grinding to a halt.”

He stressed the urgent need to upgrade roads connecting the Port of Felixstowe to safeguard the local economy and called for bold leadership to end the ‘do nothing’ approach.