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Today's traffic notices and weather in Ipswich

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Everything you need to know before you leave your house today

The weather

It's a cold and wet day with temperatures hovering around 3-4°C, though it will feel much colder at -1°C due to the ENE winds.

Today's forecast:

  • Persistent light rain throughout the day with a 60-95% chance of rain

  • Strong ENE winds of 9-13mph with gusts up to 30mph

  • Very high humidity (87-97%) making it feel particularly raw

  • Moderate to good visibility throughout the day

Make sure you:

  • Wrap up warm – multiple layers recommended in these temperatures

  • Wear waterproof footwear and clothing for the constant drizzle

  • Take extra care on slippery pavements and roads

  • Consider indoor activities today, as conditions aren't ideal for being outside

  • Allow extra time for your journey as roads may be wet

If you're heading out early tomorrow, temperatures will remain cold at around 5°C with a continued chance of rain.

The traffic

Traffic restrictions

Burstall Road, Sproughton: Both access-only restrictions and a road closure are in place until February 12, as Suffolk County Council carries out streetworks.

Bury Road, Ipswich: A road closure is in place today and tomorrow, with a diversion route in operation, as Suffolk County Council carries out streetworks.

C355 From A14 to C370, Trimley St Martin: A road closure is in place until February 22, with Suffolk County Council managing the works.

Falcon Street, Ipswich: A road closure is in effect until February 12 on St Nicholas Street, with Suffolk County Council carrying out streetworks.

Friars Street, Ipswich: A diversion route is in operation until February 12 due to Suffolk County Council streetworks.

Red Hill Road, Aldham: A diversion route is in operation until February 12 due to Suffolk County Council streetworks.

Planned roadworks

Birkfield Drive, Ipswich: Openreach is carrying out works until February 12, with give and take traffic control in place.

Bramford Road, Ipswich: Openreach is conducting works until February 12, with multi-way traffic signals in operation.

Brunswick Road, Ipswich: Openreach is undertaking works until February 14, with multi-way traffic signals in place.

Bullen Lane, Bramford: Suffolk County Council is carrying out carriageway defect repairs today only, with temporary 15-minute delays expected.

Camborne Road, Kesgrave: Anglian Water is conducting works until February 14, with give and take traffic control in place.

Chancery Road, Ipswich: Suffolk County Council is conducting trench work outside the former Staples site until February 12, with a lane closure in place between 10:00 and 15:00.

Civic Drive, Ipswich: Suffolk County Council is cleaning a flooding asset just after the Elm Street turning until February 11, with a lane closure in place.

Downside Close, Ipswich: Suffolk County Council is carrying out patching works until February 11 ahead of resurfacing.

Henley Road, Ipswich: Anglian Water is conducting works until February 14, with two-way traffic signals in operation.

Lodge Road, Great Bealings: Suffolk County Council is constructing an access junction bellmouth for the EA3 cable corridor until February 16, with temporary traffic holding when necessary.

Lovetofts Drive, Ipswich: Suffolk County Council is carrying out urgent pothole repairs until February 11, with give and take traffic control in place.

Nacton Road, Ipswich: Openreach is conducting works until February 12, with multi-way traffic signals in operation.

Sheldrake Drive, Ipswich: Openreach is carrying out works today only, with multi-way traffic signals in place.

Spring Road, Ipswich: Anglian Water is conducting works until February 14, with two-way traffic signals in operation.

St Nicholas Street, Ipswich: Openreach is carrying out works until February 12, requiring a road closure.

Tuddenham Road, Ipswich: Anglian Water is conducting works until February 12, with give and take traffic control in place.

Woodbridge Road, Ipswich: Openreach is carrying out works until February 12, with two-way traffic signals in operation.

News you may have missed

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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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