TOWN chiefs are to look again at spending tens of millions of pounds on a bridge across Ipswich docks, The Evening Star can reveal.The crossing, which would include a new road on the west bank of the port, is seen as a better way of getting traffic to the docks and easing town centre traffic pressures.

TOWN chiefs are to look again at spending tens of millions of pounds on a bridge across Ipswich docks, The Evening Star can reveal.

The crossing, which would include a new road on the west bank of the port, is seen as a better way of getting traffic to the docks and easing town centre traffic pressures.

The controversial idea was first raised in the early 1990s but has fallen off the political agenda in recent years.

Funding the bridge would cost tens of millions of pounds, funded by either grants, striking a deal with private developers or collecting cash from construction firms building in the town.

The idea will be discussed at a special meeting of Ipswich Borough Council's executive on Monday November 19 and forms part of the Local Development Framework document.

Other suggested possibilities for the future of Ipswich as listed on the document include:

An east bank link road joining creating an extra junction on the A12 linking the dual carriageway with Gainsborough.

A northern bypass of Ipswich linking the A12 north of Ipswich with the A12 in Martlesham

Development of homes on the “northern fringe” of Ipswich - a brownfield site between Westerfield Road and Henley Road - previously earmarked for 1,500 homes, a shopping centre and school.

Councillor Richard Atkins, Economic Development portfolio-holder, said: "The 'Preferred Options' process is both complex and important. In essence, it maps out the future direction that Ipswich will take.

“We have tried to meet people's needs and expectations and have made environmental issues a big priority. We are pleased that there was such a big public response when we were setting out on this project and we ask that local people and businesses will again get involved. This is your town; it is your future."

A report last year on the project cost found a twin wet dock bridge allowing traffic across at all times as well as a new cut crossing would cost £38.8m.

The cost of a twin wet dock bridge allowing combined with a new cut crossing and east bank link road would come in at £77.8m.

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