A1088 Bridge Farm bridge reaches completion

Suffolk Highways has completed construction of a replacement bridge along the A1088 at Stowlangtoft.

Construction of the bridge commenced in summer 2024 following the previous bridge being demolished due to safety concerns.

Works to create a new structure included the installation of concrete piles, steel reinforcement, and concrete supports to form a solid foundation for the new bridge and ensure its longevity.

The project was not without its challenges and required Suffolk Highways to work with a range of partners, including UK Power Networks to divert power cables and ecologists to protect local wildlife.

Although there were unforeseen delays to construction the new bridge was completed on Wednesday 5 March and the site was able to fully reopen to the public overnight.

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet member for Ipswich, Operational Highways and Flooding, said: “I am delighted that Bridge Farm Bridge has now been completed following all those involved in the scheme working tirelessly to overcome a number of challenged posed to the project.

“This structure is an important asset to local residents and other highway users as it provides an essential connection for part of west Suffolk’s highway network.

“We appreciate this meant that the road closure required to enable construction of the new bridge was frustrating for many, but we hope that the long-term benefit of the improved infrastructure outweighs the short-term inconvenience and would like to thank the local community once again for their patience whilst these works were completed.”

The bridge is the latest scheme to be successfully delivered by Suffolk Highways, following works to provide new public rights of way bridges at Bardwell and the Millenium Green in Halesworth also being finished earlier this year as part of the council’s continued investment in infrastructure improvements.