Don’t give up on northern bypass despite Wet Dock crossing announcement, say readers

The cost of the Ipswich Wet Dock could be as high as £90-£100m once inflation is taken into account, and most of the cost will come from the central government.There has been a largely positive reaction to the news, but readers have expressed concerns the much-hoped-for northern bypass could now be scrapped.

Ipswich Ressie said: “Great news that the government has recognised that Ipswich needs big infrastructure investment.

“Normally, too much money goes into London at the expense of the regions. Ben Gummer deserves our thanks and recognition for working so hard to get central funds to our town.

“Now can we focus on lobbying for a high speed rail link to London so that Ipswich has the right infrastructure for success.”

Aerial shots of Ipswich Waterfront - courtesy of www.skycameast.co.uk (Image: Archant)

Chantry said: “Ipswich is so desperate for a whole range of traffic improvements that any news is good news. The cheapest option is this wet dock bridge, The expensive options are a Northern bypass and an inner express highway along the unused dirty river from Yarmouth Road to the Wet Dock.”

David C posted to say: “I think we have to break out of this ‘either bridge or northern bypass’ mentality.

“The fact is that both are needed. If I’m stuck in traffic on Star Lane a northern bypass is about as much good to me as a southern one. We do need an additional east west route that’s actually in the town.

“I agree that there are some issues about where to join the bridge into the existing road network but it’s got to be better than spending the best part of an hour in peak times on Star Lane.

Aerial shots of Ipswich Waterfront - courtesy of www.skycameast.co.uk (Image: Archant)

“As for the Northern bypass, we need to make sure that the development of the Northern Fringe includes provision by the house developers of money and space for a new east west route. So far, that isn’t happening, and we (townspeople of Ipswich) need to make our voices heard on that one. But, these are two separate issues. Let’s not mix them up.”

Disagreeing, another reader said: “A northern bypass will presumably link up with the A12 north of martlesham. The rush hour traffic jams leading to this route from Seven Hills are already horrendous, a northern bypass will make this even worse.

“The wet dock crossing is better than nothing.”

Jim P added: “This is excellent news for Ipswich. Well done to Mr Gummer for getting £75m out of the government for this new crossing.

Aerial shots of Ipswich Waterfront - courtesy of www.skycameast.co.uk (Image: Archant)

“I am sick of seeing the endless queues down Bishops Hill/Duke Street/Fore Hamlet and all round the one way system. This will provide a brilliant economic boost to the town. Bring on the northern link road next please.”

And in response, a reader using the screen name ‘The Ginge’ said: “Please accept that the crossing which will have to be opened for one to two hours a day to allow boats in and out of the wet dock. It will not stop the queue down Grimwade Street, or the queue in St Helens because they are all driven by the closure of Rope Walk and Back Hamlet forcing all the traffic too the St Helen’s/Grimwade Street lights.

“The one-way system queues at night because of the pedestrian crossings or the fact that all the traffic goes through the Stoke Bridge/Novotel roundabout complex and hence the delay. Yes the only benefit might be Duke Street but instead you will queue in Wherstead Road.”