Why it matters: The council says the scheme aims to enhance transport connectivity, safety and accessibility for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport passengers along the 6.8-mile stretch of road.
The details: Suffolk County Council is responsible for this section of the A12 and says the proposals feature significant upgrades, including:
Highway upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety, including enhancements to seven road junctions.
Construction of a mobility hub at Adastral Park to support sustainable travel options and improve public transport integration.
Replacement of the Martlesham footbridge with a new non-motorised users bridge to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
New signalised bus link junction north of Anson Road, connecting the A12 and Main Road via Portal Avenue.
Dual carriageway upgrade between the A12/B1438 Ipswich Road junction and the A12/B1079 Grundisburgh Road junction, including a new layby, shared use footway/cycleway and agricultural accessway.
New shared use footway/cycleways at Portal Avenue and north of A1152 Woods Lane, along with improved crossing facilities at key junctions.
Additional highway features, including maintenance bays, traffic signs, upgraded signals and pedestrian crossings.
For context: The proposals have been drawn up following two public consultations since the scheme was first outlined in 2020.
What they're saying: Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for transport strategy, said: "This council is committed to enhancing local infrastructure, aiding sustainable economic recovery and developing growth. These proposals are a transformative infrastructure investment which reflect the council's dedication to improving regional mobility, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transport."
What's next: The council says the proposals will be formally submitted to the council's planning directorate on 14 November. Members of the public and interested stakeholders are invited to submit their views regarding the planning application.
Comments should be sent to Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX, or via email to planning@suffolk.gov.uk.
The bottom line: Five years after the scheme was first outlined, Suffolk County Council's £63 million A12 upgrade represents a major investment in the region's transport infrastructure, with improvements designed to benefit all road users from motorists to cyclists and pedestrians.
It cost us ~£27 to produce this article
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Ipswich School, Menopause Vitamin Company and Kingsfleet
Ipswich School
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years.
Menopause Vitamin Company
From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.
Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Ipswich shoplifter back behind bars just months after previous conviction
A man jailed in August for stealing over £1,000 from Ipswich supermarkets is back in prison after being caught stealing again just weeks later, highlighting the challenges of repeat offending in the town centre.
Refill shop launches FIND food bank collection on Woodbridge Road
Customers at Unwrapped & Refill in Ipswich can now pick up an extra tin or jar and drop it in a FIND (Families in Need) donation basket, helping Ipswich families facing hardship this Christmas and beyond.
Twenty-three years of hope and heartbreak: Why Broomhill Pool campaigners refuse to give up
Despite two failed attempts to secure funding for one of Britain's finest lidos, the Broomhill Pool Trust chairman is urging stakeholders to "finally get the project over the line" – arguing the scheme is ready-made with planning permission, design approval, and unprecedented public support.Nearly 5,000 military homes in East of England set for major upgrade
Armed forces families in nearly 5,000 military homes across the East of England will benefit from a new Defence Housing Strategy that commits £9 billion over the next decade to upgrade and modernise military accommodation.New project aims to shine light on 'unrecorded' disability experiences in Suffolk
A new heritage project will capture the lived experiences of people with disabilities in Suffolk, addressing a gap in historical records while challenging perceptions about inclusion and accessibility in communities today.Ipswich School, Menopause Vitamin Company and Kingsfleet
Ipswich School
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years.Menopause Vitamin Company
From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Over 1,500 Suffolk residents sign petition calling for quieter fireworks
More than 1,500 people across Suffolk have signed a petition urging the government to reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels.More than 8,600 Ipswich and Central Suffolk residents sign petition against digital ID cards
Thousands of residents in the Ipswich and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituencies have signed a parliamentary petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards, making it the most popular petition in the area.Blues show steel to salvage point against in-form Hornets
Ipswich Town demonstrated their growing resilience on Tuesday night, recovering from an early setback to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a Watford side that had hammered second-placed Middlesbrough 3-0 just days earlier.
87-year-old veteran leads Ipswich march as Medals2Matches creates space for heroes to share stories
Phil Hubert, 87, performed The Last Post before leading veterans through Ipswich town centre to Portman Road on Tuesday, 4 November, in a moment that captured the spirit of Medals2Matches – an initiative that has helped veterans open up, connect, and speak about their wellbeing for four years.Sackers sells trade waste arm to Biffa
National waste firm Biffa has acquired the trade waste arm of Sackers, a long-established scrap yard and waste management company based near Ipswich, for an undisclosed sum.Ipswich School, Menopause Vitamin Company and Kingsfleet
Ipswich School
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years.Menopause Vitamin Company
From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Ipswich IT firm ICS reports 30% growth and expands team
ICS, an IT support company based in Ipswich, has reported 30% growth over the past year and increased its headcount by 25% in the last three months.How you can help local children wake up to gifts this Christmas
Shoppers at the Buttermarket Centre can donate new toys and food items to ensure no Ipswich family goes without this festive season, with donations accepted until 14 December.
