Why it matters: The A14 and Orwell Bridge remain a critical pressure point for Suffolk businesses and residents, with accidents and closures causing widespread disruption and significant economic damage.
The big picture: Following an A14 summit hosted by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, a new A14/Orwell Bridge Group was formed to coordinate action across a range of short and long-term improvements. The group identified several next steps, including lobbying for reduced speed limits, improving accident recovery times, and making the case for prioritising junction 55 at Copdock Interchange in the current Roads Investment Strategy period.
The details: Suffolk Chamber wrote to Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore asking him to lobby National Highways for a 60mph speed limit between junctions 51 (A14/A140 interchange) and 58 (A14/A12N interchange). Passmore has now confirmed his support, citing evidence from the A38 around Plymouth, where a reduction from 70mph to 60mph reduced killed and serious injuries, collisions, and delays.
What they're saying: Passmore said: "This request should only be regarded as an important but short-term approach. It is high time Suffolk received a much fairer allocation of funding for the A14 improvements, which successive governments have ignored. We need a long-term solution to this intractable problem as a matter of great urgency, and I trust the Department of Transport is listening and will act accordingly."
Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber, said: "This campaign to reduce speeds and therefore accidents on the A14 is a very welcome first step in this integrated approach to alleviating the unacceptable impact of an outdated road system on Suffolk's businesses and communities. We are very pleased to have Tim's support on this and look forward to working with him in his negotiations with National Highways."
What's next: The A14/Orwell Bridge Group is also working to strengthen the evidence base on the economic impact of Orwell Bridge closures and A14 delays, and to identify both national and local solutions to increase road capacity in and around Ipswich.
The bottom line: The push for a reduced speed limit marks a tangible early step in a broader, coordinated effort to address Suffolk's road network – but with the Commissioner himself calling it a short-term measure, the pressure for longer-term investment continues to build.
