A new campaign to address persistent problems on Suffolk's A14 has been launched by the county's Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses are being asked to join the fight by sharing how road issues impact their operations.
Why it matters: Growing pressure on the A14 and Orwell Bridge could threaten Suffolk's economic future, with traffic set to increase significantly due to planned housing growth and port expansion.
The Orwell Bridge, which hasn't had its capacity increased since opening in 1982, now handles 60,000 vehicles daily – 83% of its maximum capacity.
The big picture: Suffolk Chamber believes there has been a "systemic policy failure" along the A14 from Newmarket to Felixstowe by both national and local policymakers.
The chamber wants immediate action from local authorities, the Department for Transport and National Highways.
They're particularly keen to hear from haulage, energy, logistics and ports sectors.
Results will be published in the new year.
The perfect storm: Several factors are combining to create a perfect storm:
Port growth: Felixstowe's container throughput has soared from 600,000 TEU to 4 million TEU since the bridge opened.
Housing boom: 39,000 new homes are planned for the Ipswich area by 2040.
New developments: Major warehousing at the old Orwell Truck Stop will add more traffic.
Local pressure: About one-third of peak traffic is local journeys across Ipswich.
Previous solutions have fallen through:
The Ipswich Northern Bypass plan was discontinued
The Upper Orwell Crossing project was cancelled
Rail upgrades may help but won't solve local traffic issues
What they're saying: "It is vital that the voice of business gets some proper cut through amidst the ongoing chatter about the A14," says John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber's chief executive.
Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber, adds that ongoing problems are "bad news for Suffolk and national economic security."
What's next: Suffolk businesses have until 29 November to complete the 15-question survey about how A14 issues affect their operations.
The bottom line: With no alternative routes and increasing pressure from development, Suffolk businesses fear the A14's problems will only worsen unless policymakers take urgent action.
The Chamber hopes widespread business participation in the survey will provide "clear and unequivocal evidence" of how A14 problems affect Suffolk's economy.
Local businesses can participate in the survey here.
