Why it matters: Suffolk Highways will begin Active Travel scheme works on Bridge Street and College Street from 22 September, creating safer pedestrian access to the waterfront whilst supporting broader development plans for St Peter's Dock.
The bigger picture: The pedestrian safety improvements follow the start of Stoke Bridge regeneration works on Monday, which are transforming the historic wharf into a viewing platform celebrating Ipswich's maritime heritage.
The details: The nine-week Active Travel scheme will relocate two pedestrian crossings to better align with footpaths and the St Peter's Dock entrance. Works include:
Moving the College Street crossing to align with the footpath connecting St Peter's Street and Bridge Street
Relocating the Bridge Street crossing to line up with the St Peter's Dock entrance
Permanently pedestrianising the temporarily blocked road section adjacent to Bridge Street roundabout
Associated electrical works, carriageway resurfacing and road marking reinstatement
What to expect: Traffic management will include daytime lane closures and four full night-time road shutdowns between 19:00 and 05:00 on 30 September, 1 October, 20 November and 26 November.
Roads affected include the full extent of College Street, Key Street from College Street to Slade Street, Foundation Street from Star Lane to College Street, the full extent of Foundry Lane, and from Star Lane to Key Street.
During closures, the one-way system on College Street and Key Street will be suspended, with operatives controlling access at each end.
What they're saying: Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Ipswich and Operational Highways, said: "The Waterfront is a hugely popular location in Ipswich and safe pedestrian access to it is paramount. With the existing crossings it has become apparent that they need to be re-aligned on the road to ensure people use them fully and aren't tempted to just cross the carriageway."
Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, said of the Stoke Bridge project: "Stoke Bridge is a key location for the town, an important historic landmark and major point of welcome for visitors to Ipswich. Improvements to this area will elevate the existing street scene, bring Ipswich's heritage harbour into the spotlight, and support the regeneration of St Peter's Dock."
For context: The Active Travel funding comes from £900,000 awarded by Active Travel England in February as part of Round 5 of the Active Travel Fund. The Stoke Bridge project is funded by Suffolk County Council's PDP Ipswich Investment Fund with additional support from sponsor Packaged Living.
The bottom line: Both projects demonstrate coordinated investment in the waterfront area, improving safety and heritage celebration whilst laying groundwork for future St Peter's Dock development plans.
