As part of the Chancellor’s budget announcements, Suffolk featured strongly with the green light being given for both Lowestoft’s third crossing over Lake Lothing and the new Wet Dock crossing in Ipswich. This excellent news is thanks to the hard work put in by Suffolk Conservative Councillors alongside MP’s Ben Gummer and Peter Aldous.
Lowestoft will get the third crossing over Lake Lothing after many years of campaigning and a recent petition signed by over 10,000 people. The Prime Minister committed to the crossing prior to the last General Election, committing the Government to deliver a new crossing by 2020. With this further pledge of £70 million the county council finally has the funding firmly in place to press ahead with the detailed planning required in order to bring about a third crossing over Lake Lothing. This is a massive piece of work and is estimated to cost in the region of £80-100 million, but in addition to the £70 million pledged by central Government, Conservative Administration will work to source the remaining money from local funding sources.
The third crossing will provide critical regional infrastructure for Suffolk and the wider eastern counties, as people and businesses move through Lowestoft to access the growing enterprise zone with its array of business and development opportunities.
The approved business case by Suffolk County Council and the New Anglia LEP followed extensive analysis of options and potential impact and consultation and engagement with the local business community. The benefits of the scheme in the business case are reduced journey times for commuters and businesses and the alleviation of congestion. The project supports the continued development of future business growth in Lowestoft and the town’s regeneration.
In addition to the third crossing in Lowestoft, the go-ahead has also been given for a new wet dock crossing in Ipswich thanks to the tireless work of Ipswich MP Ben Gummer and Suffolk County Councillors. The crossing will span the waterfront area of the town to connect communities with a new road infrastructure that will also serve a business and innovation centre based on an island in the dock itself. There now needs to be a review of the decision to determine funding for this ambitious project.
The Conservative Administration are determined to push these vital infrastructure projects forward to relieve traffic congestion, boost the local economy and create Jobs.