The wait for two new bridges supporting the 3,500-home Ipswich Garden Suburb development continues. 

At Ipswich Borough Council's full council meeting this week, Councillor Tim Lockington asked for an update on the opening of the pedestrian and cycle bridge located above the East Suffolk rail line after £9.8m in Government funding was secured in 2018.

The bridge is one of two being delivered as part of the 3,500-home Ipswich Garden Suburb project, the second of which is designed to accommodate vehicles — their delivery was scheduled for the end of March this year.

Ipswich Star: Pictures from work installing the bridge in December 2022.Pictures from work installing the bridge in December 2022. (Image: Network Rail)

Work began to install the bridges shortly before the start of 2023 and will eventually link the Henley Gate and Gonnereaus elements of the scheme.

Cllr Carole Jones, who is responsible for planning and museums, said there had been delays in completing works due to the constant use of the railway line — this is despite both having been put in place over the 2022 Christmas holidays.

She added: “It’s not within the borough council’s control when those bridges will be open to the public.

“It’s not as simple as putting them in and opening them up, safety has to be of paramount importance.”

Ipswich Star: A 3D image of the proposed footbridge. A 3D image of the proposed footbridge. (Image: Beaver Bridge/IBC)

Cllr Jones also revealed that due to the complexity of delivering the bridges, Homes England had decided to extend their practical completion until next year, March 31.

She continued: “There are ongoing discussions between the developer, the county council, and Network Rail on the various legal agreements that are required before the bridge can be opened for public use — we all hold our breath.”

The Henley Gate development will include the new country park between the new homes and the village of Westerfield.

The Fonnereau development is due to include a business area with new offices and small industrial units.

While the Redhouse development - between Westerfield and Tuddenham Roads - will include a new high school that youngsters from across the suburb will use.