No Northern Bypass will cost Ipswich, says Jack Abbott

Jack Abbott has said that "the Northern Bypass is the only credible alternative" to the Orwell Bridge and that without it, Ipswich's economy would suffer.

Read more: Is Ipswich any closer to a Northern Bypass five years on?

His comments come as Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer launched a transport survey where he asked residents if they would wish to see a Northern Bypass.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has been a very vocal campaigner for a Northern Bypass since the start of the year (Image: Paul Geater) Mr Abbott said: “I have been repeatedly and unequivocally clear that - while we need a range of infrastructure upgrades in and around Ipswich - the Northern Bypass is the only credible and deliverable alternative to the Orwell Bridge which would substantially alleviate the huge pressure on our local road networks which we all continually suffer from.

Read more: Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP survey on transport

“When I wrote to the Prime Minister, urging him to take the Northern Bypass out of the local political quagmire and designate it as a project of national significance, this is exactly the sort of example I was referencing.

“I retain hope that short-term political expediency will eventually be put to one side in favour of the greater, long-term interests of Ipswich and Suffolk.

"This isn’t just about constant traffic chaos - thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds are at stake too.

The Orwell Bridge outside of Ipswich (Image: Newsquest) “However, while there is a lot of hard work ahead, I will continue to have conversations with the government and show the leadership necessary to drive this vitally needed infrastructure forward.”

In his opinion piece in this newspaper, Mr Abbott warned that failure to move towards long term projects will cost Ipswich for decades to come. 

He said: "If we do not act, the traffic chaos will continue, thousands of jobs will be lost, and our local economy will be hit to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds too. It really is that existential."

• Our recent Northern Bypass articles can be viewed here.