Europa Way in Ipswich formally opened

Suffolk Highways has completed Europa Way in Ipswich, on budget and ahead of schedule.

The £2.1 million new link road will alleviate traffic congestion in Bramford and Sproughton, villages located near the A14, Suffolk’s major trunk road.

It also aims to improve connectivity for sustainable transport modes such as walking and cycling, supporting Suffolk County Council’s ambition to protect and enhance the environment.

Construction began in August 2024 and required substantial earth works to shape the new road, traffic crossings and footways, as well as works to the nearby Bramford Road to install a mini roundabout and reconstruct the carriageway.

Extensive investigations took place ahead of construction starting to help reduce the required road closures, minimising disruption to the local community and highway users and ensuring that the new road opened three weeks ahead of schedule.

A low carbon recycled material was used for the project in place of traditional asphalt, demonstrating the council’s continued commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2030, and paving the way for lower carbon road repairs and construction across the county.

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, Operational Highways and Flooding, cut the ribbon to officially open the new road on Thursday March 20, where he was joined by fellow councillors and representatives of those involved in the project.

Councillor West said: “I am delighted to see this significant infrastructure project completed ahead of schedule and on budget, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project.

“Europa Way will not only alleviate congestion in the surrounding roads but also provide safer, greener transport options for all with the provision of cycle and footways, supporting our ambition for Ipswich to be a more sustainable and connected town.

“Although the new road has only been open for a short time, we have already received positive feedback from the local community and highway users who have benefitted from improved traffic flow as a direct result of the new infrastructure.”

Europa Way is the latest major scheme to be successfully delivered by Suffolk Highways, following completion of its new bridge at the A1088 last month, and new public rights of way bridges at Bardwell and the Millennium Green in Halesworth.