SPENDING on Suffolk's roads received a boost today.It follows the government's announcement on the transport capital budget for 2004/2005. The amount of money Suffolk County Council will be able to spend on the county's roads and bridges next year will be just under £24 million.

SPENDING on Suffolk's roads received a boost today.

It follows the government's announcement on the transport capital budget for 2004/2005.

The amount of money Suffolk County Council will be able to spend on the county's roads and bridges next year will be just under £24 million.

The announcement is in response to the county council's Local Transport Plan bid which was submitted to the government in July.

Maintenance of the county's roads and footpaths, reducing road accidents and improving public transport are high priorities for the county council.

Spending on maintaining Suffolk's roads and bridges is about £14 million this year and will be about £16 million in 2004/5 including the former trunk roads the A12 and A140.

This means the county council can now go ahead with several key projects. These include major strengthening and resurfacing work on Norwich Road in Ipswich.

Concrete barriers will also be installed as a safety measure at the A137 Brantham rail bridge and safety fencing to protect Stoke Bridge in Ipswich.

Preparation work on the proposed Stowmarket B1115 relief road scheme will continue, with £7.5 million of government support pledged alongside substantial developer funding.

Julian Swainson, member of the county council's executive committee, said: "Over the past five years we have invested about £80 million in maintaining and improving the county's transport networks. I am pleased that we have been making significant progress in improving the condition of our roads and bridges and in making it easier for people to travel by public transport, cycling or walking."