THE prospect of dualling the A12 between Ipswich and Lowestoft has received a huge setback after highways chief said the benefits did not justify the massive cost.

THE prospect of dualling the A12 between Ipswich and Lowestoft has received a huge setback after highways chief said the benefits did not justify the massive cost.

Suffolk County Council officers say it is unlikely the potential payback of dualling the entire road would be enough to warrant Government funding for such a project – costing up to £320million.

The comments come in an official response to a report commissioned by the Suffolk Development Agency examining transport links between Ipswich and Lowestoft. The county's executive committee meets next week to ratify the response.

However, the county council has said it will still consider smaller scale schemes along the A12, including local bypasses, to improve journey times.

The report, conducted by consultants ECOTEC, concluded it was difficult for the north Suffolk area to attract inward investment and business because it was seen as remote, lacking in a skilled workforce and had a poor transport infrastructure.

It suggested dualling the full length of the A12 between Ipswich and Lowestoft at a cost of between £240 million and £320 million – but acknowledged the prospect was unlikely to be considered.